Robert R. Guite

Oakland Robet R. Guite, 85, passed away July 17, 2008 after a long battle with alzheimer's. At the time of his death he was a resident of the Maine Veteran's Home in Augusta. He was born Jan. 31, 1923 in Waterville, the son of Auguste and Josephine Veilleux Guite. As a young man he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later when his country came under attack, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during WW II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Robert graduated from Waterville High School in 1946. After high school he apprenticed as a tailor under Herbert Hart. He married Muriel Hart in 1947 and together they raised five children. They were married almost 50 years until she died in 1997. Robert loved to fly and was so proud to receive his certificate of soloing. He served on the Waterville City council in the ' 60's and started one of the first swimming pool companies in Maine, winning a national award. He had a zest for life and a passionate spirit which kept him working well into his 70's. When he was almost 80 years old he learned a new hobby--stained glass. He was deeply devoted to his family and they will miss him tremendously. He is survived by two daughters, Collette Doyon and her husband Bernard of Oakland, Torrie Guite and her companion Tim Gagnon of Masardis; three sons and their wives, Jeffrey and Nancy, Eric and Sarah, Parris and Pam; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, William and his wife Dolores of Blueridge, GA; two sisters, Yvette Morrisette of Jacksonville, FL and Arlene Belanger and her husband Roland of Annapolis, MD; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Perley, Francis and Joseph; and by his sister, Louise Benson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Fri., July 25, 2008 at Notre Dame Church, 112 Silver St., Waterville with a reception following at the church. Committal prayers will be recited at 12 noon on Fri. at Fr. Leonard Leclair Chapel in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Ctr. Dr. in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Muskie Center/Senior Spectrum, 38 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901 online at www.senior spectrum.com or to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901. Arrangements are with the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.