John Benoit BLAIS

AUGUSTA -- John Benoit Blais, 89, passed away Feb. 3, 2005, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta.John was born June 24, 1915, in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Marie Anne Bisson Blais and Peter Ephrem Blais. He resided in Swanton, Vt., where he raised his family; retired with his wife, Leona, to Vero Beach, Fla.; and moved to Augusta with Leona to live with their daughter's family in 1999. He currently was a resident of MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, Gray Birch.Prior to retirement, John owned businesses in St. Albans, Vt., and Swanton. He was a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, most recently at St. Mary's Parish in Augusta. During his life, John also worked as a volunteer in both community and church organizations. He was a pilot and amateur radio operator, built his own home and was a watercolor artist. Many of his works hang in the homes of friends and family. In recent years, John became the eyes for his wife, Leona, who is blind. He devoted himself to her care, and they spent their days together talking and working crossword puzzles. He will be truly missed.John is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Leona, who resided with him at Gray Birch; daughter Linda Lovaglio and her husband, Ron, of Augusta, and their children Heather Alvarez and Mike Lovaglio, both of Albuquerque, N.M.; son John Blais and his partner, Joyce Thornton, of San Francisco, Calif.; son Jeffrey Blais and his wife, Margaret, and their children, Vincent and Peter, of North Providence, R.I.; brother Paul Blais and his wife, Leola, of Burlington, Vt.; brother-in-law Robert Heald of St. Albans; and several nieces and nephews. John leaves behind many caring friends, and the family is very grateful for all their efforts to stay in touch and visit over the miles. At John's request, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held for the family in Swanton at a future date.John's family wishes to thank all the dedicated and supportive caregivers at Gray Birch and MaineGeneral Medical Center.