Roland Labrie was our family's knowledgeable resource for genealogy information, and he will be missed by all of us. He passed away on March 7th, 2018 from short-term pulmonary disease, according to his obituary. Patrick had tried to reach out to him recently about some genealogy questions, and both he and his mother, Diane Labrie, were saddened to learn of his passing at age 71. He was born on September 4th, 1946 in Dover, NH to the parents of Pete and Lillian Labrie. His family was a multi-generation owner and operator of P.J. Labrie & Sons Plumbing Company, which is still in the family today. Roland has resided in Cape Neddick, New Hampshire for the past 28 years. He is survived by his sister, Rita Green, of Wildomar, CA and Paul Mazgelis, his former partner of 23 years, in addition to many other relatives and friends.
Roland graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in French and English and a Master’s degree in Counseling from The University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Durham. He spent most of his working years as a house painter, and later as a decorative painter of furniture. In recent years he has worked as a gardener, expressing his deep love and knowledge of plants, flowers, nature and landscape. And he was an enthusiastic member of the Old York Garden Club. Roland was passionate about history, poetry, politics, woodworking, art, social justice, old time things, sobriety, walking, information, and life itself. His passion was often closer to exuberance.
Roland was a great advocate for the underdog and a crusader for fairness. One of his proudest accomplishments was publishing “Reaching For Quiet”, a volume of his poetry. He was a real “character.” He was true to himself at all times and not inclined to cloak his opinions. He was genuine and sincere without an excessive concern for how his words might land on less sturdy souls. He had many friends of vastly diverse origins, realms, and interests. Regardless of the interest that someone shared with Roland, they all shared an appreciation for Roland as an original, unusual human being.
Roland’s life will be remembered and celebrated on Saturday, March 17 at 2:00 pm in the First Parish Church, Fellowship Hall, 180 York Street, York, ME with a memorial service and refreshments to follow. His ashes will be scattered somewhere in the natural world he loved at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Christian Children’s Fund or the Olde York Historical Society. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York, Maine is assisting with arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com for more information.
