Plourde, Emery G., 88, Caribou, in Bangor, October 13, 2008. Friends may call at the funeral home, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. October 16, from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Caribou – Emery G. Plourde, 88, husband of the late Ruth G. “Jere” (Keating) Plourde, died October 13, 2008, at his Bangor residence. He was born in Caribou October 4, 1920, the son of the late Alex and Odile (Castonguay) Plourde.
He was a graduate of Caribou High School and attended Seton Hall College where he distinguished himself as one of the finest middle distance runners from the State of Maine. Emery was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Maine Runners Hall of Fame in 1989. He continued his passion for track and field and cross country by serving as a starter of high school and middle school meets for over 20 years. He served with the US Army as a radio operator during WWII in the European Theatre. Mr. Plourde owned and operated several laundry businesses in Caribou and Loring Air Force Base during a career which spanned more than 40 years. He was a lifelong communicant of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minster as well as a Third Degree member of the Fred V. Brescia Knights of Columbus. Emery was a devoted husband and father to his family. He enjoyed leisure time with his family and friends fishing, snowmobiling and golfing. He took much pride in tending to his flower and vegetable gardens and in maintaining the meticulous grounds of his Sweden Street home.
He is survived by his sons Ronald Plourde and his wife Lynn of Milford, Mass., Robert Plourde and his wife Linda of Cumberland., R.I., Emery Plourde Jr. of Bennington, Vt., and John Plourde and his wife Alverna of Hermon; his daughter Jane Plourde and friend William Turner of Framingham, Mass.; a special daughter-in-law Debra Plourde of Caribou; one brother Clarence Plourde of Caribou; four sisters Dorothy Plourde, Bernice Plourde, Leola Taylor and Irene Lazure all of Bradenton, FL; his grandchildren; Jessica, Allison, Melissa, Jennifer, and Aaron and six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Plourde was predeceased by his wife Jere in 2006, his sons James and Richard and a brother Clifford.
Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2008, from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Aaron Damboise, officiating. Interment will be in the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Plourde may do so through the Holy Rosary Catholic Church memorial fund, 31 Thomas Ave, Caribou, Maine 04736. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the special care provided by Dr Cynthia Milles as well as the Staff of Home Health and Hospice of St. Joseph’s Hospital. A deep sense of gratitude is also extended to Emery’s “guardian angels”, Betty, Donna, Holly, Sally and Joyce. Following the service, Family and friends are invited to the Holy Rosary Parish Center for a time of fellowship and refreshments. For online registery please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
