Van Buren--- Fernand Lawrence Thibodeau of Van Buren, Maine, was welcomed at Heaven's Gates by his Creator who he worshiped on July 25, 2022, at a Van Buren healthcare facility. He lived a long and full life of 95 years and will be missed by many who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Fern was the eldest of eight children and the apple of his mother's eye. He was born in Van Buren, Maine, on April 25, 1927, to George and Isabelle (Madore) Thibodeau. At a very young age he had the misfortune of losing an arm in a tragic accident, but it never slowed him down. He never shied away from hard work or manual labor. He was well known around the community and was an active member of the many town councils and committees. Later in life he spent much of his time volunteering with Meals on Wheels and helping to care for many in the neighborhood. He was a successful entrepreneur and owned multiple businesses over the span of his life, and his true passion was woodworking and carpentry. He is most remembered in the community for his taxi service, which was one of his most pleased reminiscences.

He leaves behind seven children, Evelyn Soucy, April Ordonez, David Thibodeau, Robert Thibodeau, Lina Gibson, James Thibodeau, and Velma Thibodeau. He is also survived by two siblings, Ina Reinhardt and Omerine Pettit; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his lifetime companion, Diane Gagnon.

Besides his parents, Fern was predeceased by his children, baby Evelyn Thibodeau, Barbara Thibodeau, Gilbert Thibodeau, Daniel Thibodeau, and Raymond Thibodeau; and his siblings, Percy Thibodeau, Shirley Gagnon, Therese Godin, Fernande Madore, and Estelle Lebel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Saturday morning 8:30-9:30 AM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fern's name may be made to: Meals on Wheels HDM/Van Buren, PO Box 1288, Presque Isle, ME 04769.