Clovis J Daigle

Clovis Daigle

Frenchville, ME.

Clovis Daigle passed away peacefully April 1, 2021 at Northern Maine Medical Center, surrounded by family, at the age of 98. 

He was born on April 26, 1922, the son of Victorien and Julie (Bouchard) Daigle of Frenchville. he attended Ste Luce Parish School in Frenchville and graduated from Madawaska High School.  After a short work period in Connecticut, ,he entered military service in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Assigned to the 38th Infantry Co., 2nd Infantry Division, he participated in the Normandy invasion.  His Company was involved in numerous Allied offensives through Northern France, Ardennes, the Rhineland Region and Central Europe .He was extremely proud to have served his country during such arduous times, often remarking that the sacrifices he had made had helped ensure the gift of freedom for many.

After his military discharge in 1945, he returned to Maine and eventually to the St John Valley where he began a 38-year career in the plumbing and heating industry. He initially worked for various contractors as a plumbing apprentice and ultimately finished his career working in sales and as a mechanical system designer with the Romeo J. Roy Plumbing and Heating Wholesale Distribution Co. He was known for his hard work and as a person of great integrity. His knowledge and expertise within this field was sought by many throughout the region.

As a person who continually engaged himself in community affairs and devoted a lifetime of selfless service to others, in the mid 1960’s, aware of an aging population in the Frenchville and surrounding communities, he envisioned a need for an elderly healthcare facility in the area.  He immediately immersed himself into the evolution of this project by helping form and spearhead a committee to research the viability for such a facility within the community and to formulate a plan for its eventual development. His hard work and unwavering commitment towards the completion of this vision came to fruition in 1967 when St. Joseph Nursing Home was established.  Initially serving as a Director, in 1980 he became a co-owner.  In 1987, after retiring from his plumbing and heating career, he started a second career in the healthcare field by becoming St. Joseph’s fulltime administrator.  He eventually attained full ownership of the St Joseph facility, retiring in 2008 after having devoted 40 years to long term care in the region.

Clovis was passionate about providing quality care to all the residents who became part of the St. Joseph Nursing Home family. Under his leadership, St Joseph became renowned as one of the premier long term care facility within the region. He was a hands-on owner/operator, who took a personal interest in the wellbeing of all residents, ensuring that they were treated respectfully and that all of their needs were taken care of. He was frequently seen walking the hallways of the facility, engaging residents, workers and visitors alike.  Residents as well as employees knew he was always available to them.  Everyone involved with “St Jos” was treated as a treasured family member. 

A devoted family man, he enjoyed family dinner gatherings or going out to eat with them at local establishments. He also enjoyed traveling with his family. He and his wife enjoyed many trips to various parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe.  His grand children were his pride and joy. He served as their role model and often times as a mentor and confidant for many of their dreams and aspirations.  He enjoyed playing sports in his earlier years and later on, became an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and Red Sox.

Clovis was an involved citizen and parishioner, serving on numerous boards and committees.  He served as a member of the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Frenchville for 16 years; the Frenchville Fire Department for 25 years, many as an Assistant Fire Chief;10 years on the Town of Frenchville Finance Committee; 35 years as a Director on the Ambulance Service Board, and 25 years on the Frenchville/La Vallee Credit Union Board of Directors. He was also a lifelong member of American Legion Post 145, serving as commander and on various committees.  In 1991, in recognition of his long unselfish devotion and service to his community, he was honored with the “Citizen of the Year Award” by the Town of Frenchville. As a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley (St Luce) Parish, he dedicated over 40 years of service to his parish by serving on numerous boards and committees and performing countless  hours of volunteer work.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Lucille (Dionne) of Madawaska; son, Ronald and his wife Linda of Madawaska; daughter, Mae Rita “Mae” Hebert and husband Patrick of Fort Kent; four grandchildren, Denise (Hebert) Cloutier and husband Dale of Newburg, Me., Craig Hebert and wife Joelle Rehse of Gray, ,Me., Christina Daigle and fiancé Tim Large of Glenburn, Me., Danielle Daigle and fiancé Travis Rich of St David, Me.; one great granddaughter, Emily Cloutier and one step granddaughter Addison St John.

Clovis was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Albert and Guy; sisters Aurore Daigle Vincent and Lorette Daigle; step brothers Claude, Alphonse, Romeo and Arthur.

There are no words to adequately express the family’s gratitude to the Forest Hill Manor and Northern Maine Medical Center staff and medical teams for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided Clovis during his final years.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the family on April 16 at Our Lady of The Valley Church in Frenchville, Maine. Interment will be at a later date in the spring in Our Lady of The Valley Cemetery.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in remembrance of Clovis, the family encourages contributions in his memory to; St Joseph’s Memory Care, 426 US Route 1, Frenchville, Me. 04745, Our Lady of The Valley Parish, PO Box 10, St Agatha, ME 04772, Forest Hill Manor Activities Dept., 25 Bolduc Ave, Fort Kent, Me 04743, or a charity of their choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Michaud Funeral Homes.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.michaudfuneralhomes.com 

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