Steven Paul Loignon, 47, died Feb. 16, 2011, at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass., after a lengthy illness.

He was born Oct. 7, 1963, in Biddeford, the youngest child of Norman P. and Albertine (Plourde) Loignon. He attended Biddeford and Sanford schools and was a 1981 Sanford High School graduate. He earned the distinction of Eagle Scout the same year.

After attending Central Maine Technical College in Auburn for one year, he began employment at Pratt Whitney in North Berwick that would span the next 25 years. While employed full time he completed two degrees. In 2000 he earned an associate degree from York County Technical College in Wells, where was student council president and later served on the YCTC Alumni Board of Directors. In  2003 he earned a bachelor’s degree from Daniel Webster College in Nashua, N.H.

Mr. Loignon faced many losses throughout his lifetime, including the early deaths of his parents and the loss of both legs in 2001 to above-knee amputations following a car crash. He successfully petitioned his employer’s insurance carrier to increase financial coverage for prosthetic limbs, retroactively on behalf of others as well as himself, and he lobbied for a bill in the Legislature to increase coverage of prosthetic limbs.

He developed a nonprofit organization called “Stepping Back Into Life,” which, along with his website, was dedicated to helping people with disabilities return to daily activities. He traveled independently to disability fairs in other states and used those models to establish similar fairs in southern Maine, with the support of the local Knights of Columbus.

He also fulfilled a longtime dream of opening a small store for home brewers called Shapleigh Hops Craft Brewing. A connoisseur of wine, meade and microbrews, he enjoyed membership in the Southern Maine Craft Brewers Association and won many awards for his brews.

When his health began to fail in recent years and he was no longer able to maintain the work of Stepping Back Into Life, he raised money through Shapleigh Hops Craft Brewing for the Make A Wish Foundation. He was awarded the 2007 Volvo for Life Award for outstanding contributions to the community and the 2008 York County Community College  Student Entrepreneur of the Year award.

He had a lifelong love for good music of all kinds and was an avid follower of state and local music scenes. He enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. 

He was preceded in death by his father in 1971 and mother in 1977.

Survivors include his sisters, Gail, and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Wilder, of Biddeford and Maureen and brother-in-law James Fecteau of Freeport; three nephews, a niece and grandniece.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Annette R. Gregoire

Annette R. Gregoire, 84, of Biddeford, died after a lengthy illness Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at St. Andre Health Care Facility in Biddeford.

She was born Dec. 12, 1926, in Biddeford to Edmond and Marie Letellier Roy. She was a 1944 Biddeford High School graduate.

On April 10, 1947, she married Joseph N. Gregoire at St. Andre Church in Biddeford. He died Feb. 20, 2004.

Mrs. Gregoire worked 15 years at A.F. Letellier & Son plumbing and heating in Biddeford, five years at the Maine State Lottery Commission and 11 years at Southern Maine Technical College in South Portland. She retired in 1991.

She enjoyed reading, doing arts and crafts and traveling. She wintered a few years in Florida. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and Maine State Retirement Association.

She was preceded in death by her son, Paul J. Gregoire, on Nov. 21, 2009; brother, Paul J. Roy, on Feb. 3, 2008; and sister, Arlene Grenier, on June 23, 2008.

Survivors include two sisters, Doris Dube of Saco and Alice Paquette and her husband, Robert, of Biddeford; one daughter-in-law, Linda Gregoire of Biddeford; two grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Renald Roy

Renald Roy, 82, of Biddeford, died after a lengthy illness Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.

He was born May 4, 1928, in Biddeford to Arthur and Marie-Laure LaBrecque Roy. He was educated in Biddeford schools.

Mr. Roy married his wife, Therese, on May 8, 1948.

He was employed by Saco Lowell Shops for several years and also worked for Lund Manufacturing in Saco for 29 years. He retired from Atlantic Precision in Biddeford.

He was an avid vegetable gardener and like watching football. Mr. Roy also was an accomplished machinist who enjoyed machining and reproducing parts for many projects, especially for local farmers.

He was a parishioner of  St. Joseph Church, Good Shepherd Parish in Biddeford.

Mr. Roy was preceded in death by his brother, Leo Paul, and sister, Lorraine Janelle.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Therese D. Courtois Roy; four sons, Donald Roy and his wife, Linda, of Michigan, Normand Roy and his wife, Carol, of Saco, Dennis Roy and his wife, Gisele, of Biddeford and Scott S. Roy and his wife, Theresa, of Biddeford; one daughter, Joan M. Cotsifas and her husband, John, of Saco; three sisters, Marguerite Paquette, Madeleine Langley and Simone Gadbois; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

Paulette Tate

Paulette Tate, 66, of Saco, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

She was born July 18, 1944, in Biddeford to Armand and Jeannette Plante Poirier. She was a 1962 graduate of St. Joseph High School.

Mrs. Tate was a homemaker and also worked at Poirier’s Market, the family’s Biddeford business. She later was office manager at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco for 31 years.

She was known for her generosity, humor and love of entertaining at home with her late husband, Bill.

Mrs. Tate was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Good Shepherd Parish in Biddeford.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William P. Tate, on Nov. 21, 2010.

Survivors include her two sons, John W. Tate and Paul J. Tate of Saco; two grandchildren; three sisters, Mandy O’Leary and her husband, Jim, of Biddeford, Sue Poirier of Old Orchard Beach and Martha Cookson and her husband, Gerry, of Saco; her brother-in-law, Ernest Tate and his wife, Sandra, of Newburyport, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

Alcide A. Cote

Alcide A. Cote, 104, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, surrounded by his family after a short stay at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Mr. Cote was born Feb. 19, 1906, to Joseph and Alma Bonneau Cote.

In 1925 he married Florence Audie, who died in 1998 after 73 years of marriage. Mr. Cote was a devoted husband, loyal to his wife, family and faith. He defined himself through his self-sufficiency and responsibility. During the Great Depression he worked wherever employment was available in Cleveland, Ohio; New Britain, Conn.; and Biddeford.

During World War II, with six children to support, he worked full time as a burner at South Portland Shipyard and also was self-employed as a used car dealer. He later opened Vacationland Motor Court in Saco. He retired in 1963 and moved with his wife to Florida. He resided there until his return this month to Maine.

As a young man Mr. Cote won numerous speed-skating races and defended his title as the state’s speed-skating champion. He enjoyed hunting deer and bear and was an avid saltwater fisherman. In later years, he became a slalom water skier and competed in the senior division with men 20 years his junior. He won many awards in Florida and was featured in American Water Ski magazine. Until a few years ago, he was a very proficient horseshoe player and competed daily.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters.

Mr. Cote is survived by his eight children, Raymond Cote of Biddeford, Normand Cote of Portland, Dr. Roland Cote and his wife, Jeanette, of Auburn, Albert Cote and his wife, Pauline, of Saco, Jerry Cote and his wife, Annette, of Lewiston, Dr. Andre Cote and his wife, Loretta Sue, of Columbia, Mo., Jeanne Robey and her husband, Joe, of Saco, and John Cote of Porter; 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren; his brother, Robert Cote of Biddeford; his four sisters, Laurette Cote of Biddeford, Sister Beatrice of Providence, R.I., Mary Jane Cookson of Biddeford and Pauline Smith of Saco.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Joseph P. Cote

Joseph Paul Cote, 61, of South Portland and formerly of Biddeford, died after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born Dec. 23, 1949, in Biddeford to Frank and Dezilda Fortier Cote and was the youngest of seven sons. Mr. Cote lived on Linton Street in South Portland where he had many wonderful caretakers from Creative Work Systems. 

Mr. Cote was handicapped but had many talents. He liked to paint and music was very much a part of his life. He enjoyed summer camp and birthday parties.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dezilda, and by one brother, Rene.

Survivors include five brothers, Guy Cote of Biddeford, Leo Cote and his wife, Lucille, of Biddeford, Roger Cote and his wife, Claudette, of Biddeford, Raymond Cote and his wife, Jacqueline, of Saco and Ronald and his wife, Dorothy, of Willis, Texas; his sister-in-law, Hazel Cote; and many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews

Arrangements were by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

Alan E. Sawyer

Alan E. Sawyer, 92, of Saco, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, at his residence.

He was born June 17, 1918, in Saco to Fred and Rena Carle Sawyer. He was a 1936 Thornton Academy graduate.

Mr. Sawyer served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He married his wife, Katherine, on July 2, 1947.

He was employed by Saco Lowell Shops for 10 years and worked for Raytheon in North Andover, Mass., for 28 years. He retired in 1982.

He enjoyed traveling and gardening and having family and friends visit.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Carle Sawyer, on Jan. 25, 2003; his brother, Carle Sawyer; and sister, Elizabeth White.

Survivors include one son, Thomas Sawyer and his wife, Elizabeth, of Blue Hill; one brother, Theodore Sawyer and his wife, Gertrude; one sister, Mary Jordan; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

Raymond J. Blais

Raymond J. “Papoose” Blais, 94, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

He was born April 7, 1916, in Biddeford, the youngest child of Joseph and Eva (Courtois) Blais. He was educated at St. Andre School and was a talented baseball and hockey player.

Mr. Blais was a veteran of World War II and involved in battles in central Europe, Normandy, northern France and Rhineland. He was decorated with a Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was wounded in action in the European Theater in October 1944, but continued to serve in combat with his original company until his discharge in October 1945.

He married Therese Martel on June 22, 1946, at St. Andre Church. They were married for 64 years. Mr. Blais worked as a carpenter then was employed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for the remainder of his career. 

He had a great love for several things in life, primarily his family and sweets. He had an infectious smile and was known for his ability to repair anything. He loved his tractors and would run them for hours.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers Aime, Arthur and Henry Blais; and his sister, Lucienne Berube.

Survivors include his wife, Therese (Martel) Blais of Biddeford; son, Roger Blais and his wife, Georgette, of Biddeford; daughters Diane Roberge and her husband, Joe, of Arundel, Carol Riche and her husband, Robert, of Lyman, Nancy Gagne and her husband, Rodney, of Biddeford and Aline Larochelle and her husband, David, of Biddeford; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and  nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Paul E. Oliver

Paul E. Oliver, 89, of Arundel, died surrounded by family at his Arundel home Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.

He was born March 29, 1921, in East Providence, R.I., to John and Ellen (Ryan) Oliver.

Mr. Oliver enjoyed fishing, hunting, clamming and being outdoors. He had a great sense of humor and loved to be with friends and family.

He owned and operated a self-service grocery store in Waterboro but was best known for Oliver Farm on Mountain Road in Arundel where he worked for the past 63 years. Mr. Oliver ran the family farm, raised dairy cattle, trained and raced horses, sold Christmas trees and produce he grew in his garden.

He was preceded in death by brother, John Oliver Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Garnette (Jariz) Oliver; son, Richard W. Oliver Sr. of Kennebunkport; daughter, Margaret Johnston and her husband, Jeff, of Savannah, Ga.; and four grandchildren.

Arrangements were by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

Domingo C. Milliken

Spc. Domingo C. Milliken, 42, of Old Orchard Beach, died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, in the Philippines.

He was a 1987 graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1987. He worked in a two-person team to install and operate communication equipment and received Army commendation and achievement medals for his work and professionalism.

Spc. Milliken also was a petroleum supply specialist and leader of a team that supplied support for a fleet of more than 70 vehicles during training and at war.

He was recognized for exceptional work without incident or injury to personnel while supplying a heavy engineer battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Among his commendations were the Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (fifth award), Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Army Good Conduct Medal (second award), National Defense Service Medal (second award), War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Driver Badge and Parachutist Badge.

Survivors include his wife, Rosalie J. Milliken and 5-year-old son, Samson J. Milliken; his mother, Iluminada C. Milliken of Old Orchard Beach; his brother, Ruben C. Milliken and his wife, Arlyn, of Old Orchard Beach; his sister, Marilyn Milliken Lemay and her husband, Richard, of Scarborough; a niece and nephews.

Arrangements were by Samson Funeral Home, Phillipines.