Roland A. Beaulieu

SOUTHWEST HARBOR — Roland A. Beaulieu, 75, died Saturday, Aug. 25, after battling complications of throat cancer. He passed away peacefully at the home he shared with his wife and daughter’s family in Southwest Harbor, surrounded by family. Roland was born May 6, 1943, in Lewiston, the son of Albert M. and Pearl G. Beaulieu.

Roland is survived by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Dona Beaulieu; his daughter Debra Hodgkin and her husband, Brian, of Lewiston; his daughter Kelly Beaulieu and her husband, Brian Cote, of Southwest Harbor; two grandchildren: his very special grandson, Patrick Shannon, of Sebago; and his lovely and talented granddaughter, Elaina Cote, of Southwest Harbor; three sisters: Jeanne Morneault and her husband, Ronaldo, of Auburn; Patricia Bouchard and her husband, Don, of Lewiston; and Denise McCulloch and her husband, Alex, of Sebago; and many nieces and nephews.

Roland grew up in Poland Spring and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Edward Little High School. Roland met his wife and soulmate, Dona, when she was 15 years old. They married in 1964, and had 54 amazing years together. Roland worked more than 40 years as a skilled and hardworking welder and mechanic at Superior Carriers (formally Merrill Transport).

Roland loved working with wood and made many beautiful items, including an impressive wooden strip canoe. He enjoyed car racing, and spent many a Saturday night at Oxford Plains Speedway, working on the Quick 5 pit crew. Roland and Dona camped for more than 20 years at the Poland Spring Campground, where they made many lifelong friends. Upon retiring, they sold their home in Minot and spent the last 10 winters at Maximo Moorings in St. Petersburg, Fla., where they quickly gained their “Florida family.”

After working so hard his whole life, Roland was fortunate in his retirement to check off many dreams from his bucket list, including seeing some wonders that had always interested him, including the Panama Canal, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and Florida Keys. More than anything, Roland’s greatest pride and joy was supporting his family and watching them grow.

There will be a private burial for the family in Southwest Harbor. A celebration of life gathering will be held in Auburn at a later date for family and friends.

Donations may be sent to Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Arrangements by Acadia Burial and Cremation Direct.

Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.