SANFORD — At 11:25 a.m. on April 9, 2015, David I. Thibodeau, 71, took his last breath. His heartbeat slowed as we held him, and as he left us, we knew that after his yearlong battle with lung cancer he was at peace. Dave passed away at his home in Vergennes, Vermont, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Dave was born on June 24, 1943 in Millinoc-ket, and was the son of Ned and Blanche Thibodeau. In 1964 he graduated from Sterns High School in Millinocket. Following his graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard.
He also worked for the Great Northern Paper Mill in Millinocket. In 1965 Dave moved to Sanford, where he met and married Judy Lawrence on Sept. 3, 1965.
Dave used his love for woodwork as a source of employment as a contractor. Together, he and his wife raised their children in Sanford and had 50 wonderful years together.
In 1996, Dave and his family relocated to Vermont where he continued to work construction and do finish carpentry until his retirement in 2005.
Dave had a great passion for hunting, fishing, NASCAR and, most of all, loved spending time with his family and friends.
Dave is survived by: his loving wife, Judy Thibodeau; his daughter, Gina (Lori); his son, Peter (Carrie); and his grandsons, Tyler Hall, and Ryan Jennings, all of Vermont. He is also survived by: his sisters, Vera Hawkins (Bill) of Port Jervis, New York, Kathryn Gauthier (Austin Gammon) of Limington, and Sharon (Donald Libby) of Sanford; his brothers, Louis and Lawrence (Paula) of Sanford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Mavis Morgan, and Donna Morgan; brothers, Richard and Lloyd; and a niece, Theresa Thibodeau Grant.
At Dave’s request, he was cremated and there will be no services. The family will hold a celebration of life in both Vermont and Maine at dates that will be announced later; all are welcome.
The family would especially like to thank Addison Home Health and Hospice, his nurse, Laura Dame, Lauren Bierman, the staff at UVM Medical Center for their compassionate care and treatment, and Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.