Special to Aroostook Republican
Richard “Dick” Derosier completed his stint in the military after high school, fully expecting to return home and resume potato growing on the family farm as he had done throughout his childhood and adolescence.
The son of Luke and Pauline (Jacques) and brother to Dorothy (Fournier) and Luke, Jr., Dick married his high school sweetheart, Carol, the daughter of Rene and Rena (Chamberland) Lizotte. Now married for 39 years, they have produced three daughters: Lisa, Becky (Ryan) Pelletier, and Jennifer (Jason) Daigle. They have two grandsons, Reece and Logan, and a third one on the way.
Lisa was 13 when Lakeview opened. “It’s been quite an adventure; I could write a book,” she said. She and youngest sister Jennifer are now managing the restaurant, providing time off for Dick and Carol although they can still be seen daily in the restaurant, covering wherever they’re needed.
Staying in the St. John Valley was a choice Dick and Carol made early on. They brainstormed various ways of raising their family income that would fit in with farm work. The idea of a small restaurant housed in their garage was born. They didn’t even have a menu at first. Repeated calls from people asking for family reunions, wedding receptions, class reunions and meetings of all types caused them to meet that demand by expanding the restaurant on their sprawling 250 acres overlooking the picturesque town of Ste-Agathe with its beautiful fields, meadows and Long Lake dominating it all as a gorgeous center piece. Last week WAGM meteorologist Ted Shapiro commented on the beauty of the backdrop after a news report was filmed there.
What originally was going to be the Derosiers’ home has been shared 24/7 with thousands of visitors from all over the world for the last 25 years with an ever changing menu that has as its anchors the always popular lobster, prime rib, steaks and much in demand ribs. The question was always: “En avez-vous eu assez?” (“Have you enough to eat?”) Their philosophy was that nobody should leave the table hungry.
Lakeview’s first large party was the Maine Potato Growers of Presque Isle. They’ve also hosted a number of public officials over the years: Governors Joseph Brennan, Angus King and John Baldacci, Congressman Mike Michaud, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, and Maine Chief Justice Daniel Wathen among others. The latter was up here on a motorcycle ride with Gov. King and others. He delighted in being picked up at the Gateway Motel in Madawaska by the blue Lakeview Shuttle Bus. He was blown away by the concept of a restaurant accommodating its clients in every way including transportation. Once Gov. King asked Dick if he could have a tour of the camp ground, neglecting to tell his security detail of the change of plans; the officers moved quickly to stop the vehicle from going farther. Gov. King motioned them off; they acquiesced, and the tour was completed.
In addition, the business’ sports bar has been a draw for NASCAR’s Andy Santerre, Jerry Nadeau and the Dale Earnhart, Jr. crew. It was always a must stop for Bud Leavitt, a popular television host.
Lakeview is conveniently located on the snowmobile and ATV trails, making it a popular must-stop site. The eatery also draws people from all over Aroostook County who come for the food and conviviality. You might walk in the dining room and see strangers but usually walk out with new acquaintances. Such is the nature of the joie de vivre atmosphere.
Many Valley young people started their working careers at Lakeview, where valuable lessons were learned, like being on time, working hard, being personable and dealing with the rush that inevitably comes while retaining their sang-froid. Judy Tardif, who has been employed there since the beginning, says, “I love my job. I enjoy meeting people, it’s always exciting and interesting, and I can count on one hand people being out of sorts with me. One really bonds with the customers to the point of exchanging cards, keeping up with the families, or getting a phone call to share good and bad news. I enjoy my life dealing with nice, nice people,” she said.
Throughout the expansion of the restaurant business and their family, Dick and Carol continued working the family farm with all its demands and challenges until 1991 when an accident landed him in a distant hospital for a month, placed him in a wheelchair for a year and severely restricted his ability to work thereafter. He could think creatively and plan, though; over the years, the town’s largest business built a racetrack complete with bleachers, where appreciative crowds roared their approval of native sons and daughters’ performances. Others competed in horse pulls with Gaston Grandmaison, stock car racing, motor cross racing, and horse shows, always in collaboration with others like the local recreation department, snowmobile club, and others. Audiences would often hear WAGM-Television Sports Editor Rene Cloukey announce the races. Dick raised money for the St. John Valley Associates of Madawaska with a bike race and motorcycle raffle.
Increasing regulations and the cost of liability insurance have severely curtailed their ability to continue producing these events. Other challenges and stressors they face are the increasing costs of utilities, energy and supplies.
For a while, in order to better serve the population, a pig roast was held every Wednesday with the Jerry T. Band providing the entertainment and nightlife in this small town. There was also a bandstand where different musical groups came to play. When Ste-Agathe natives saw unusual traffic in town, they knew there was an event at Lakeview.
The Derosiers have always been generous in helping out worthy causes and being team players with Valley institutions and groups. They’ve enjoyed a long affiliation with Babin’s Grocery Store down the hill from them. Gary Babin says he’s appreciated the relationship of helping one another out in a pinch. They’ve always strived to be good corporate citizens.
Le bois des soeurs, which had been used for a century by the students and Daughters of Wisdom of Notre Dame de la Sagesse Complex for picnics, family outings and such was acquired and became the camp ground that is open during the summer with repeat and new visitors. The necessary accoutrement was set up in a building with showers and toilets, a store, an ice cream shop – everything needed for a comfortable experience. Townies also enjoyed going up for family treats, having access to swings and pleasant company. The view from up there is even more spectacular than from Lakeview – small wonder that many return year after year for the beauty, peace and quiet of a home away from home.
Entrepreneurs par excellence, culinary experts, event planners, bon vivants, philanthropists, the Derosiers one and all. Congratulations! Félicitations! Bravo!
