Staff Writer
THIRD CHASE POND – A boating accident Sunday claimed the life of Norman “Bim” Ouellette, owner of Quigley’s Building Supply, a Fort Kent hardware store.
According to Sgt. Dan Menard of the Maine Warden Service, Ouellette was with three others in a 14-foot boat on Third Chase Pond when a wave caused the vessel to overturn. The three other men were able to make it to shore. They were identified as Ouellette’s son-in-law, Justin Dubois; Dubois’ father, David Dubois; and a friend, Phil Roy. All were from the Fort Kent area. “The incident occurred between noon and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. The four were camping at Ouellette’s camp at Third Chase Pond. They were coming across the pond in rough water, turned into the wind and a wave tipped the boat, knocking all four into the water,” said Menard.
Menard said personal flotation devices were in the boat but no one was wearing one when the boat capsized.
“The water was so cold, they didn’t have a chance to put on their PFDs. Everyone but Ouellette made it to shore and back to camp,” said Menard.
Due to the pond’s remote location, authorities didn’t receive notification of the incident until around 9 p.m. Sunday, according to Menard.
“By the time the three reached shore, got to the camp and then made their way to the road to call for help, several hours had passed,” said Menard.
Once notified, it took rescuers a while to reach the scene.
“The camp is about 35-40 miles directly west of Portage. It’s definitely remote. The camp is only reachable by boat,” said Menard. “It was difficult to get personnel into the site. The road was snow and ice covered. We used chains on our tires toward the end. It was a chore to get a boat in and out of there.”
By Monday, the search was in full swing, with five members of the Warden Service dive team on hand, assisted by seven other game wardens and one pilot.
“We’re lucky to have a pilot stationed in Eagle Lake. Given the circumstances (remote location of the incident), it’s good to have a pilot available,” said Menard.
Menard credited witnesses’ ability to give good directions for finding Ouellette as quickly as they did.
“Witnesses gave us a good indication where we might find him. Ouellette’s body was recovered in about 32 feet of water at around 2:45 p.m. Nov. 12,” said Menard, noting it could have been more difficult, since the water was quite murky, limiting visibility for divers.
Quigley’s has been in business for nearly 50 years. Ouellette was hired in 1978, eventually taking over the business from his father-in-law, the late Donald Quigley. Ouellette is survived by a wife, two daughters and an extended family in the St. John Valley. No information on the funeral was available at presstime.
