Wayne R. Theriault Obituary (1949 - 2021)

Waterville - Wayne R. Theriault of Waterville passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 24, 2021. He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughters Nicole of San Francisco, Caroline of Alexandria, Virginia, Emily and her husband Matthew Dwyer also of Alexandria, and two beloved grandchildren Gabriel and Alice. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene and husband John Dulude, Larna and husband Scott Rosenberger and brother Kenneth. He will be missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law John and Miriam Boileau and Karen and Allan Boileau as well as several nieces and nephews. Wayne was born in Waterville in 1949, the son of Anita (Breton) and Joseph Valmont Theriault. He graduated from the University of Maine and UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. He worked in both Canada and the United States in education, industry, law and corrections. Working for the Maine Department of Corrections, he was Maine's Commissioner to the fifty state Interstate Commission for Adult Supervision. His impact at the national level was recognized in 2010 when he received the Executive Chair Award at the Compact's annual meeting. Wayne had a strong sense of civic duty as evidenced by several terms on the Waterville Board of Education representing Ward 7. He was a member of two Waterville Charter Commissions, the second time as co-chair. As a member of the Waterville Rotary Club, he served in many capacities culminating with a term as President during the Rotary Centennial Year of 2004-2005. Representing the Waterville club, he travelled to Mexico, Japan and Quebec. For his service he was honored to be named a Paul Harris Fellow. When Wayne became involved in something, there were no half measures. When his children became active in track in high school, he became a certified track official and for several years officiated at high school track meets as the starter. In addition to travelling the highways and byways of New England on his motorcycle, he also completed a week-long trip across remote Labrador into Newfoundland on what has been called the longest dirt road in North America. When he became interested in bicycling, he enjoyed many rides throughout Maine and also completed several segments of the East Coast Green Way Trail including a 600 mile segment from Baltimore to Maine and the entire length of the Florida Keys. Wayne entered retirement with a passion for travel and new experiences. Wayne and Pat's motorhome adventures took them to more than three quarters of the National Parks across the United States. Several of their journeys were made with their travel buddies during yearly "moho" meetups in Florida, Arizona, Alaska and most recently, the Pacific Northwest. Wayne maintained an active bucket list of places to travel, rides to complete, trails to hike, museums and galleries to visit, and books to read. His list eventually filled a three ring binder which he was only too happy to share with family and friends. At home, Wayne enjoyed working in his hosta garden, never passed up a whoopie pie, and offered a friendly wave to all passers-by. He was quick to laugh and his gregarious nature and genuine interest in people led him to strike up conversations with anyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. His friendships were deep and long-lasting. A man of many interests and accomplishments, no roles made him prouder than those of husband, father and grandfather. He demonstrated his love for his family in many ways and never missed an opportunity to boast about their accomplishments or to tell them he loved them. He was always their greatest supporter and booster. In his own words: "I would like my time on this earth not to be defined by the places I have lived, the education I have amassed, the jobs and careers I have had, or any achievements I may have acquired. In my life I have tried to be a good son, a good husband, a good father (and grandfather), a good citizen, a good person. Let my God, my family, people who have known me and people with whom I have come into contact during my life measure the degree to which I have been successful at achieving that which I have strived to be." A memorial service will be held at a later date after travel and assembly restrictions are lifted. Those wishing to remember Wayne may make a donation to Acadia, his favorite National Park, at https://friendsofacadia.org/giving-membership/give-a-gift-in-honor-or-memory/ or to the Rails to Trails Conservancy at https://secure.railstotrails.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1160&1160.donation=form1&s_src=website&utm_source=honorary&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=waystogive. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home in Waterville. An online guestbook can be signed and memories and condolences shared at gallantfh.com.