Donald Eyves Aucoin Jr.

BANGOR - Donald Eyves Aucoin Jr., 57, died peacefully June 14, 2009, at his home. He was born March 17, 1952, in Bangor, the only son of Donald E. Aucoin Sr. and Eleanor Aucoin. At birth Don's life was expected to be a short one. In reality he lived long and prospered. Don overcame one medical issue after another from atrial septal defect, blocked pulmonary artery, muscular dystrophy and diabetes. Don never let any of these conditions limit him and perhaps because of them his strong love for the study of science developed. He focused on his aptitudes and was a learner and a teacher to the best of his abilities all his life. He always tried to give back to his community including; volunteering many hours each year to Northeast COMBAT, now CONTACT, serving as a local NASA Solar System Ambassador to help educate local people about NASA activities, serving as a greeter at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, becoming in 2006 a professed Secular Franciscan, helping each year with the MDA telethon and being honored with their 2008 Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award. For 26 years, Don served on the USS Kasimar, a local Star Trek fan/service club. For much of this time he was the chief science officer and at the time of his death was the group's commanding officer. Don told friends he believed "I had a good life in spite of the health problems, so I can't complain. John Denver had a song with the words, "I'd like to raise a family, I'd like to sail away and dance across the mountains on the moon. "Well, I got the family, and I got to sail several times, dancing across the mountain on the moon just wasn't possible. But only 12 people have had that pleasure." Don is survived by his wife of 11 years, Sharon; his stepdaughter, Rebecca Gallagher; his parents, Donald Sr. and Eleanor; five sisters, Stephanie and Jim Mooney, Nadine and John Higgins, Stacy and Pat Vandyne, Celeste Harriman, Dedrea and Randy Pavliska; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and Red Sox and Star Trek fans across the country. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. June 24 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ohio Street, Bangor. There will be a reception afterwards at the church. Burial will be in Glenburn.