Waterville – Ernest A. Pontbriand, 91, of Waterville, passed from this life to the next on Tuesday February 12, 2019 with his loving family by his side at Mount Saint Joseph. He was born on December 8, 1927 in Northhampton, MA, a son of Olivine (Boucher) and Romeo Pontbriand.
Ernie was drafted into the US Army during WWII and would go on to serve his country for 28 years in the Army, the National Guard and the Merchant Marines. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1285 in Waterville where he received many recognition awards and was the Post Chaplain for many years.
Ernie’s family was what was most important for him throughout his life. Ernie often worked two to three jobs to provide for his family and would do whatever it took to make ends meet – such was his determination and perseverance. There was room however for camping, fishing, horseshoes and especially bowling. He was a supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and was recognized as such with a luncheon with Governor Angus King. Ernie was a devout Catholic and had been an active member of Notre Dame Catholic Church.
Ernie is survived by his five children: his daughter Cynthia Wynn of Virginia; his son Paul Pontbriand and his wife Tina of Waterville; his daughter Irene Pelletier of Waterville; his daughter Marcia Anderson and her husband Craig of South China; his daughter Laura Bishop and her husband Paul of Waterville; 11 grandchildren: Terri, Tammy, Tina, Eric, Mark, Sara, Brian, Kevin, Christina, Joe and David; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; as well as nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Christine, in 1998; his sister Helen Dostie and his four brothers: Romeo, Albert, Edmond and Henry.
A time of gathering and visitation will be held on Sunday February 24, 2019 from 2 – 5 pm at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 25 at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 112 Silver Street, Waterville. A reception will follow at VFW Post 1285, 51 Water Street, Waterville, ME. Burial will be in the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 289 Civic Center Drive, Augusta later this spring. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Ernie’s memory to: Waterville Area Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901or Meals on Wheels, Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street, Waterville, ME 04901.
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The following words of remembrance were given by Ernie's son-in-law, Craig Anderson, at Ernie's funeral service today:
Ernie was an Extremely Proud man, of his service, his duty, and of his family- 4 daughters, 1 son, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and his1st great, great grandchild
He loved the Patriots, bowling, fishing, NASCAR and singing karaoke at the VFW.
Everyone was welcome in their home, and Both Ernie and Christine were known has ma and Pa to all the kids in the neighborhood. We spent every Xmas Eve at dads house, nothing fancy, tourtiere pie, a pass around gift, and all the family that could come.
I've heard stories of the girls being sent to the corner to spend time on their knees, or getting haircuts using a salad bowl-. Paul being held to the wall to get his attention, and the girls getting caught skipping school while Ernie was driving the taxi. But Ernie taught all the girls how to dance and the grandkids loved spending a night or a weekend when they could. He was always on the happy side of life.
Every story included love, respect, and family pride in the voice of the person telling the story.
Ernie always worked hard for his family, and I've heard stories of him falling asleep while rocking the kids, or while sitting at the dinner table.
Ernie lived 91 years and he spent over 20 years in the army and national guard, and more than 31 years membership in the VFW post1285. 15 as the post chaplain.
Sometimes it's the simplest things in life that deserves the most respect and admiration. Make sure family is first- do the best you can, and stay army strong.
We're all going to miss Ernie with our eyes open, but We will always remember the people we love with our eyes closed.
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