Francis James Poulin Obituary (1930 - 2017)

North Belgrade-Francis (Frank) James Poulin of North Belgrade, Maine died at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home on July 3, 2017; he was 86 years old. Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Barbara (Carey) Poulin and his two sons and their spouses, Steven and Jane Poulin of Canaan, and Michael Poulin and Robert DeFrank of Millbrook, NY and New York City; his 4 grandchildren and their spouses Shonna & Dan Gutierrez, Travis & Tiffany Poulin, Tyler & Amanda Poulin, Chase Palmer, his 7 great-grandchildren, a sister Patricia Thomas, sisters-in-law Shirley LaMarre & Nancy Poulin, brother-in-law Richard Carey, many nieces and nephews and countless friends, most notably Mrs. Diane Bishop. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Poulin Palmer, his parents, Romeo and Eva Poulin of Waterville, his sister Lee Barnes of California, and his brother Darrell of Greenfield, MA. Frank was born on November 30, 1930 in Waterville. He graduated from Waterville High School and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara. He built several homes with his father who was an accomplished carpenter. He and Barbara raised their three children in the homes they built in Waterville, Fairfield, and on the Belgrade Lakes. Frank was a lifelong resident of the greater Waterville area. Paper mills have long been the backbone of Maine's economy. Frank served that industry well both as an employee and as the initiator of a legacy--his son Steve recently retired from SAPPI after 44 years and grandson Travis is currently employed at the mill. Frank was the "pride of the pipe fitters". He began his career at Hollingsworth & Whitney which became the Scott Paper Company in Winslow and then, at SD Warren Somerset Plant in Skowhegan where he retired after 42 years of service. He was an active union member in the Papermakers Union. He served as union president in the early 70's through the 80's then became VP after grooming his good friend Carl Turner to succeed him. Carl kindly credited Frank as his mentor. Mr. Turner went on to become the Int'l Representative for District 4. In the early 90's, union members built and dedicated a union hall to Frank and Carl in recognition and thanks for their service. In addition to his dedicated career as a mill worker, Frank was an accomplished carpenter who was constantly building or repairing something for his family or any one of his neighbors on Great Pond. One of his great joys was an annual fishing trip to Rangeley Lake with his son Steve and grandsons along with a great crew of fishermen. He was a devout Roman Catholic and in his youth attended Notre Dame where he was educated by the brothers. He was a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Fairfield, St Francis de Sales in Waterville, and St. Theresa's in Oakland parishes. Frank passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He will be remembered as a friend to everyone he met, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and for his Tarzan Call. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 7th at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank's life. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An on-line guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www. gallantfh.com In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 or to the Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, 7 Highwood Street, Waterville ME 04901 in honor of the nurses and aids on the second floor; their compassionate care of Frank was deeply appreciated by him, his family and his friends.