PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The loss of a loved one often leaves family and friends struggling to accept the loss and to find a way to honor the person — a way of keeping that person’s spirit and memory alive.
That’s exactly what’s being planned by friends and family of Wayne Estabrook, an 18-year-old Caribou resident who drowned May 25. A group has organized a fund-raising event for early July to benefit area autism programs.
“Wayne Estabrook loved his people. He was so proud to be from the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. He loved his family, and he thought often about each and every one of them,” said Tania Paul, child welfare director for the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.
Paul said Estabrook saw life differently than those around him.
“Time for Wayne was different than for others, so life was really difficult for him at times. Fifteen minutes for us would feel like an hour to him. Still, he tried; he worked through the hardship of every second of his life,” she said.
When he worked on Native American crafts, Paul said he worked hard, “sometimes for hours.”
“When he finished his first dream catcher, the look on his face and his smile will forever be remembered.. His first basket was an accomplishment beyond words,” Paul said.
Paul said Estabrook participated in every event the tribe had for the youth as much and as often as he could.
“Wayne was young, but the experiences he had in life definitely are deserving of him having a place to be remembered forever in our hearts,” she said.
To help keep Estabrook’s memory alive, organizers are planning a special event the second Tuesday in July.
“On July 8, we will be doing a bake sale fundraiser in Wayne’s name. The bake sale will take place at the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, located at 7 Northern Rd. in Presque Isle, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to a local organization or program here in Aroostook for autism,” said Paul.
Estabrook’s mother said her son was autistic and struggled on a daily basis but was a fun-loving and caring individual who’s missed by many.
“We want to help others who are dealing with autism. Wayne wanted to help others with autism. We hope to do this for him through the fundraiser,” said his mother, Lindsey Cyr.
Paul said it was Estabrook’s goal to one day help those affected by autism.
“It was Wayne’s dream to graduate and work with children who are living with autism. All donations will be deeply appreciated by all who loved and cared for Wayne,” said Paul.
For more information or to make a donation, call Paul at 764-1972 or Cyr at 485-5579.
