Alberie Nadeau of Fort Kent has accomplished much in his 95 years, mostly in service to others. For this reason the Maine Health Care Association has selected Nadeau, who currently resides at Crosswinds Residential Care, to receive a 2019 Remember ME award.
Nadeau is a decorated World War II Army Air Force veteran who was stationed in England during the D-Day invasion. Not only did he serve his country with distinction, but he also proved a most dedicated son and brother in the process.
The son of a Fort Kent farmer, Nadeau grew up understanding the value of hard work. After graduating from Fort Kent Community High School in 1942, he moved to Connecticut, where he found work in a factory. Five months later, a phone call from his mother would alter the path of his life. Nadeau’s brother, who worked the family farm, had been drafted.
“His brother was married and loved farming; Alberie was not married and not fond of farming,” wrote Crosswinds Assistant Activities Coordinator Patti Voisine in a letter nominating Nadeau for the Remember ME award. “He went to the draft board with his mother to convince them he should take his brother’s place … His brother was able to stay and take care of the farm and his family.”
Although he longed to become a pilot, the fact that Nadeau did not have 20/20 vision prevented this. Instead, because he had learned to type in high school, the Army Air Force trained Nadeau as a clerk.
“His group was sent to six different battle zones, where he witnessed many difficult situations,” Voisine wrote. “Upon his honorable discharge on October 2, 1945, Alberie received a ribbon for his European service, along with six Campaign Ribbons.”
Following his service, Nadeau returned to Fort Kent, where he worked for a local oil company, repairing and cleaning furnaces.
“He was known for helping families who could not afford to pay for repair services. His kindness to many still remains in so many people’s hearts,” wrote Voisine.
Nadeau would eventually marry and have a family of his own. He and the love of his life, Geneva Michaud, were married for 68 years. The couple had six children.
“Mr. Nadeau beams with pride when he speaks of his family,” according to Voisine.
Nadeau would eventually take a job overseeing the newly established wastewater department in Fort Kent, after town councilors approached him to fill the position.
“They wanted a responsible person to run the facility and lead a team of people to make it work,” wrote Voisine. Nadeau did just that for 18 years until his retirement.
Throughout the years Nadeau also volunteered his time to his community, including through the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Fort Kent Fire Department, and the Fort Kent Senior Citizen Club.
“Mr. Nadeau’s life was full of love when he did for others,” Voisine wrote.
In her last sentence in nominating Nadeau for the Remember ME award, Voisine summed up Nadeau’s honorable character:
“Mr. Alberie Nadeau lives the life of a true, humble gentleman. He always and continues to put the needs of others before his own, be it for family, community or country.”
