Theodore E. Brissette

Scarborough Theodore E. Brissette, of Windham, passed away on December 21, 2016, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his wife by his side. He was born on October 22, 1944, in Portland, a son of Ralph and Irene (Laliberty) Brissette. Ted attended local schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1963. After graduation, he continued working in the carpentry trade he began in high school. The skills he learned would be a lifelong value to him, as he enjoyed doing building and renovating projects for his family, relatives and friends. He, the carpenter, and his son, the plumber, worked on many projects together. In 1965, Ted joined the Maine Army National Guard. After completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training School, he returned home and started working for the Canteen Company as a route salesman. In 1967, he married his high school sweetheart whom hed met while soda jerking at a local Portland pharmacy. He and Evelyn would have been married 50 years next February. Ted took a full time position in the National Guard Technician Program in 1970. This would be the start of a successful career. Ted worked at various Maine armories and attended many leadership schools. In 1986, he earned the highest and most prestigious rank of an NCO possible: Command Sergeant Major; a milestone he was very proud of. In 1988, Ted was selected to attend and graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, TX. He earned many Certificates of Merit over the years. He retired from the Technician program in 2001 but continued to serve his country as a leader at the Regional Training Institute in Augusta; retiring in 2004 with over 39 years of military service. Ted led by example, holding soldiers responsible for their own success, while making sure each received the best possible training to attain it. He was very proud of the soldiers that served with him and never expected more of others than he did of himself. Upon his retirement, he stayed in contact with many of his military buddies and enjoyed reminiscing with them about the good old days. Ted and his family appreciate the love and concern these friends extended to him up to the end. Ted had many interests. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and hunting. He spent countless hours fishing with his son, Gary and friend, Joe on Little Sebago Lake. There was always competition to see who got the biggest fish using magic bait. Ted loved a good meal like Michelles homemade clam chowder, and relaxing with family and friends at Frogsrest. His camp was his little piece of heaven. Ted and Evelyn took several memorable trips throughout the years. He was predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Franks and Ruth Gray; and brothers, Walter and Paul Brissette. He is survived by his wife Evelyn; daughter, Michelle; son, Gary; his little buddy and canine companion, Ollie; brothers, Stephen (Wanda) Brissette and Ralph Brissette; sisters, Jeanne (Hermel) Lavoie, Patricia Adams and Helen (Martin) Tenney. He is also survived by his bestest sister-in-law, Marilyn, her husband Ron Binette, his very special aunt Terry Reinhardt; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Our family is so grateful for the help and support we received from best friends, Joe and Peg Waldron and their family, Chaplain Milbury, and so many other family members and friends (we hope you know who you are) who gave us love and encouragement and a shoulder to cry on throughout Teds journey. Our family wishes to also express our gratitude to the staff of the Hospice of Southern Maine, with a special thanks to Sue who was just right for our family, and David whose visits were a comfort to Ted. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, from 12-3 PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral home service will follow at 3 PM. Burial will occur in the spring. To view Teds memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit, www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation to the Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1 Ste. 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074 or The Good Shepard Food Bank, PO Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211. If you are a smoker, give it up before it is too late!