Wilfred A. Couture
December 17, 1936 ~ September 13, 2024
Resided in:
Saco, Maine
Scarborough, ME – Wilfred A. Couture, 88, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at The Mooring at the Downs.
Wilfred Arthur Couture was born in Waterville on December 17, 1936 to Nathalie Rose Gilbert and Odias Joseph Couture. He had 4 brothers and 3 sisters and was raised by his grandmother, Olive and grandfather Gideon.
After finishing High School in Waterville, Wil decided to service his country. He was an Army Sergeant in the 1st Calvary Division, medic battalion for 6 years and did a tour in Korea.
After being honorably discharged, he began his career as a tool and die machinist for 40 years. He was a very skilled craftsman. He worked long hours to become a manager and then began his own consulting business.
He married the love of his life, Joan Ellen Manter, on August 1, 1959. His beloved wife Joan has been waiting for him to dance with her in the spirit world for three years!
Together Wil and Joan had 3 children, Sue, Julie and Mike, who they loved and were immensely proud of! They were so happy that their children found their partners Christopher, Walter & Christine to support them in their lives.
Wil loved teaching his grandchildren, Cathy, TJ, Bill, James, Andy and Nick, his fishing, cooking, kayaking, woodworking and gardening techniques! Once they got the idea to construct an ice fishing shack which they left out on the ice way too late and Pepere had to tie a rope to it and drag it back to shore! Wil and Joan loved their grandchildren’s wonderful partners Allen, Kristen, Anna, and Rebecca. It wasn’t Sunday morning at Camp on Thomson Lake if we didn’t wake up early to go fishing and come back to Pepere making chocolate chip pancakes for all of us!
Truthfully, Wil’s great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He always smiled when he spent time with Austin (not forgotten), Rylan, Gavin, Nolan, Charlotte, Amelia.
Dad also had several nieces and nephews that he loved!
We used to say that Will loved his dogs more than anyone else in the family. Well, he has quite a few waiting for him to give them treats. A piece of toast at 5am and chicken at 4pm or Sally would certainly remind him.
He believed in being active in his community! He became a very proud and active member and mentor within AA where he developed lifelong friendships. Wil spent his entire life serving others, his family and community. He was an intuitive healer and leader.
He proudly volunteered and served for 42 years on the Board of Directors, Supervisory Committees, Building Committees of Town and Country Federal Credit Union.
It was a beautiful day at Thompson Lake Shores camp when Wil and Joan met Brittany to transition to their next chapter of life. Brittany introduced them to several new homes over the next few years and then when Mom passed Dad went to live at The Mooring at the Downs. Lynn created this beautiful home. Brittany helped our family through many trying and memorable times always with a smile and positive energy! Vicky always showed patience and compassion when Wil wanted to be her sous chef. Bri, Morgan, Holly, Taylor and the rest of the staff were so incredibly kind and caring, including his buddy Titan the dog.
His ’joie de vivre’ and spirit of compassion, caring and volunteering lives on in his family who truly loved him. His happiest days were spent with family up at camp. He will always be remembered and loved.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 PM - 6 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. A private burial with military honors will be held at a later date. To view Wil’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Eastern Trail by visiting www.EasternTrail.org.
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Will was very sweet to us when my husband Gene came to the Mooring. Rest in everlasting peace my friend💕
A wonderful man will be missed alot!
Good Deeds can Never, Never Die
Oh, toilers in life’s harvest field Who sow the seeds of truth–yet sigh
That soil is hard, and scant the yield,
Faint not! Good deeds can never die!
What tho` no harvest greets thine eye,
What if thy hands pluck not the fruit,
Tho` strangers share it by and by,
And in thy praises all are mute?
Still true it is, as God is true,
If they reward be far or nigh,
Do what thy hands may find to do
And lo! Thy deeds shall never die!
Each germ of truth, each act of Love
Inherent holds a life divine;
And on them ever from above
The dews of heav`n shall fall and shine.
Tho` riches flee, tho` friends depart,
And broken hopes around thee lie,
Still let this message cheer thy heart:
Good deeds shall never, never die!
B.F. Austin
Wilfred, Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for being a pillar of our community. Thank you for your wonderful daughter, Sue. Your wisdom and kindness to others will be greatly missed…………….Chris Owen
What a beautiful tribute video for Wil! I was pleased to meet the family on Saturday and share with them what a truly great guy he was. I served with him on the Board of Town & Country for many enjoyable years. His knowledge and willingness to share his talents was priceless to us and he is greatly missed.
I only met Wil once or twice but I know his name well because he and my father, Ed, worked together for years on the board at Town & Country. The Connolly family shares our condolences on your loss. I look forward to the culmination of the Eastern Trail bridge that will share our fathers’ names. I only wish they were both here to walk across that bridge themselves.
Love you Dad
On December 17, 1936 Nathalie Gilbert Couture gave life to a baby boy, Wilfred A. Couture. As the result of medical complications after childbirth, her life came to a tragic end. Wilfred’s father, grandparents and all 7 of his brothers and sisters gave their all to provide a memorable life for little Wilfred. He thrived and vowed to repay his siblings for their unwavering support of him. He sat with and supported five of them through the trials at the end of their lives. Now that he has reached his end, a joyous beginning is in store. He is reunited with Joan, the absolute love of his life, all seven of his siblings, precious little Austin and his beloved pets, eager for a treat and long walk. But the most joyous beginning is that he will finally meet his mother, be held by her and be able to hold her in his arms…a lifetime in coming and an eternity to enjoy! Wilfred exemplified the definition of “A life well lived”. Let us always remember!
Dad,
Your generous nature has been my guide. You are kind and giving to everyone you meet. You have always been supportive! You have given me unconditional love always! You have inspired me to help others in any way I can! Love always,Sue