FORT KENT – Joel Plourde, 90, died on April 13, 2024. He was born in Fort Kent, on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1933.  He was the seventh of nine children born to Alphonse and Theresa (Charette) Plourde.

As a young man, Joel enjoyed hard work and was a fierce competitor.  One of his major challenges was against his brothers, sisters and sisters-in-law in potato picking.  They tried to beat him but could not; one day he picked 164 barrels!

Joel started his professional career as the "parts man" at Etscovitz Chevrolet (now Valley Motors).  He worked there until his retirement having held several positions with increased responsibilities from parts manager to general manager. This is where he met Claudette Nadeau who was the clerk at the business.  Their relationship grew while Joel offered many rides to Claudette's home and they married shortly afterwards.

Joel and Claudette successfully raised their two daughters, Lola and Colleen, in Fort Kent, enjoying family times at the camp in Clair and many family celebrations and vacations with extended family.  He was a really loving husband, great father, grandfather and great grandfather, and friend to many with whom he shared much laughter and an infectious sense of humor.

Joel also shared his talents with improving the local community.  He was involved in the National Guard, the Knights of Columbus (fourth degree), the Fort Kent Lions Club, an active member of the St. Louis Catholic Parish, and was very active with Fort Kent Senior Citizens.

He was an avid fisherman, square dancer, skier, snowmobiler, and, finally, his favorite sport, golf.  He was able to golf at the St. Andrew's Golf Course in Scotland. He and Claudette spent countless of hours improving the grounds at the Fort Kent Golf Club for others to enjoy.

Joel was predeceased by his wife, Claudette, whom he was married to for 60 years. He was the last of the Plourde family to pass being predeceased by his siblings: Annette Bard, Norman Plourde, Claude Plourde, Reginald Plourde, Valere Plourde, Gerard Plourde, Venette King and Burnette Bowker. He is survived by two daughters: Lola (Kevin)Plourde of Fort Kent, and Colleen (Mark)Harvey of Yorktown, VA; four grandchildren, Deirdre (Chuck) Ames, Shantelle Houghton, Samantha and Ben (fiancé Emily) Harvey; and three adoring great grandchildren, Camryn and Dylan Ames, and Serenity Houghton.  In addition, he is survived by so many wonderful and supportive nieces, nephews and the Nadeau in-law family members, with whom he enjoyed many family activities; and his many friends he knew near and far. The family would also like to acknowledge the Crosswinds Residential Care family of caregivers for their care and friendship over the past several years along with friendships built with other residents.

Family will receive friends Friday morning from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home, 14 E. Main St. Fort Kent. The funeral Mass will take place at 10 AM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joel to Crosswinds at 40 Village Rd. or Fort Kent Golf Club, 354 St. John Rd. both in Fort Kent, ME 04743.