Staff Writer
ASHLAND — Dozens gathered March 4 at the Congregational Church to celebrate the life of and bid farewell to Donald O’Clair Sr., a local resident who’d dedicated much of his life to serving his community.
O’Clair died unexpectedly Feb. 27 at the age of 62, reportedly of a heart attack. He had worked many years for the Ashland Fire Department. Those gathered Wednesday at the little country church were witness to a special service honoring the longtime firefighter and local business owner.
“Donny was such a part of the department. He was a member of the department for 45 years, including two years as assistant chief and 14 as the chief,” said Ned LaBelle, the department’s current fire chief. “To honor him and all he did for the community, we held a fireman’s funeral.”
The service, which included tributes from fellow firefighters, lasted nearly an hour and a half. Numerous cars were parked along the road leading to the church and filled nearby parking lots. Inside, those paying their respects included: family, friends, town officials, local law enforcement officers and firefighters representing several area departments.
“Donny was an amazing man who will be greatly missed,” said LaBelle.
Town Manager Jim Gardner said the atmosphere in the church was a bit overwhelming, especially at the close of the ceremony.
“It was unreal. When they played the bagpipes, that was hard enough. But it was the last call for Donny that got me. I lost it at that point,” said Gardner.
Anyone who was unable to attend the service but had a scanner capable of picking up the Ashland Fire Department’s signal was able to hear the broadcast, as the last call for O’Clair was made on the frequency, at the close of the service, followed by the blast of the fire house horn in honor of the former chief.
As the service came to a close, a lone bald eagle was spotted gracefully soaring in the sun-filled blue sky over the church.
The ceremony at the church concluded with firefighters and law enforcement officers, some saluting, as O’Clair’s casket was carried to an awaiting fire truck, with Ashland firefighters gently placing it on the vehicle.
“It’s a firefighter tradition to give a fallen firefighter one last ride around town. Although Donny didn’t die as the result of a fire, he dedicated so much of his life to the department and this community, we agreed that was the least we could do,” said LaBelle.
Led by a police escort, the truck, draped in black, left the church and made its way around town for the former chief’s final farewell ride, then returned to the church. Spring interment will be at St. Mark Cemetery, Sheridan. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to: Ashland Fire Department, care of Ned LaBelle, Ashland Town Office, PO Box 910, Ashland, ME 04732.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LAST RIDE — Ashland said goodbye to one of its own March 4, with a traditional fireman’s funeral for Donald O’Clair Sr., the town’s former fire chief. Following a service at the Congregational Church, O’Clair was given one last ride around the community, escorted by five members of the Ashland Fire Department. The fire truck, draped in black, was driven by Stanley Saucier. Riding on back with O’Clair’s casket were, in front, from left: Harvey McLellan and Dave Bolstridge. In back: Robert Argraves and Tom Raymond.
