Rene E. Cloutier

Rene E. Cloutier
    FALMOUTH -- Rene E. Cloutier was born in Lewiston. He was the only child of Edward Alfred Cloutier and Ida Rose Belanger. As an infant he moved to Portland, where he grew up in the West End. He attended Sacred Heart School and West School. He graduated from Portland High School in the Class of 1941.
     He met his future wife, Florence C. Libby of Falmouth, while both were members of Caravan, a local musical radio band. Dedicated to his wife-to-be, Rene served in the U.S. Army during World War II, in the European Theatre. He drove a truck, delivering gasoline to the front lines. He was always proud that he had the best job, being by himself most of the time and not subject to daily superior command.
     After the war, he returned to Portland to marry Florence and was employed at Southworth Machine as a machinist. Shortly after, he went to work at E.G. Oleson & Son, Inc. as a saw engineer for his entire career and retired as Vice President of the company.
     Rene's interest and hobbies were many. He enjoyed photography, (exposing and processing his own prints), woodworking and carpentry, camping, boating, motorcycling, spectator sports and more. For many years he was an active member and past president of the Forest City Rod & Gun Club. He was a safety instructor for the National Rifleman's Association. He was a cancer survivor from over 20 years ago. Rene was a member of Cornerstone Lodge of Masons in Portland and a 32 Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Valley of Portland. He also was a member and Past Patron of Deering Chapter, OES in Portland.
     With his wife of 60 years and his two daughters, sons-in-law and two grandchildren, he was able to enjoy every holiday and family event together.
     Rene is survived by his wife, Florence L. Cloutier of Falmouth; two daughters, Reneta Cloutier of Windham, and Sheila C. Sneider of Portland; and two grandchildren, Andrew B. Sneider and Lindsey R. Sneider, both of Portland.
     Visitation will be from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Graveside services will be private at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.
     In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to:
    Mercy Hospital, Capital Campaign Mercy at the Fore
    144 State Street
    Portland, Maine 04101