1918 – 2015

LEWISTON — Lionel E. Michaud, 96, died on Sunday, Oct. 4, at St. Marguerite d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston. He died of complications from oral cancer due to the use of chewing tobacco.

He was born Nov. 30, 1918, in Eagle Lake, the eldest son of Thomas E. and Eveline Gagnon Michaud. As a young man, Lionel worked in the woods as a cook and logger. He retired as a boiler operator from Columbia Forest Products in 1983, Presque Isle. He and his wife, Phyllis Player Michaud, volunteered a combined total 1,000 hours to Aroostook RSVP through the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and received certificates of appreciation for their service.

He was a member of the American Legion and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle. Lionel was very proud of his service to his country in World War II. He honorably served in the U.S. Army from April 24, 1942, to Nov. 28, 1945, attaining the rank of technician fourth class. Lionel served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star. Lionel participated in the Battle of Leyte and was very proud to have met Gen. Douglas MacArthur while serving on guard duty in the Philippines.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Pauline Cote Easler; and his second wife, Phyllis Player Michaud; along with his parents; and five brothers, Camille, Roland, Benoint, Thomas and Philip.

Lionel is survived by four stepchildren, Mary P. Roussel (Andre) of Auburn, Maybelle A. Blanchard of Portland, Pamela F. Isrow (Craig) of Delray Beach, Fla., and Gary F. Blanchard (Marjorie Schwartz) of Westampton, N.J.; a special niece and nephew, Cam and Keith Hayward of Presque Isle; two sisters, Lucille Janowski of Portland, and Gilda Simms of California; and two brothers, Rene of North Carolina and Theodore of Calais. Lionel is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.