David William Michaud

Dover-Foxcroft - David William Michaud passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters at his bedside on September 16, 2024. David was born on October 13, 1943, in Fort Fairfield, the fourth of five children to Nellie Everett and Oscar Michaud.
David was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Ralph "Pooch" Michaud. David is survived by his loving wife, Rheba, who remained faithfully by his side for 55 years. David is survived by his daughters, Tracy and her husband, Darius, Jennifer and her husband, Andrew, and Rebecca and her husband, Mike; sisters, Darlene Michaud Bruce, Naida Michaud McKinney, and Kathy Michaud Schaeffer; a special sister-in-law, Hilda; a special grandson, Drew; special granddaughters, Iris, Ayla, Asha, and Emma; many special nieces and nephews, Laura, Ralph, Beth, Bethany, Angela, Jay, Matt, Krista, and Kevan; as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews.
David attended Fort Fairfield High School and graduated in 1961 after playing varsity sports on the basketball team, baseball team, and track and field. David enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly from 1961-1965, while also playing basketball. He attended UMPI from 1965-1969 and earned his undergraduate degree, he earned his Masters of Education in 1970 from UMO, and his Doctorate of Education in1980 from Vanderbilt University. David highly valued education and supported his loved ones through their learning journey.
David was an educator for over 40 years, dedicating his career to M.S.A.D. #68 both as a teacher and principal at Sebec, Morton Ave., Mayo Street Schools, and at SeDoMoCha Jr. High School.
He was a long-standing member of the National and Maine Educator Association. He supported his students not only in the classroom, but also on the sports fields. He played on the DF Stumpers softball team, coached youth basketball and then turned to being a constant "second" coach to all his daughters whether it be on soccer or field hockey fields, the basketball or tennis courts or the track. David was the best "cheerleader" on the sidelines, stopwatch in hand and notepad available for any feedback. He volunteered to transport skiing equipment in his beloved wood-paneled Wagoneer so that he could learn to ski along with his daughter up in Greenville. He could be found on the golf course any day that didn't have snow! In retirement, he stayed involved at local schools, appearing at most sporting events as the "time keeper/scoreboard operator".
David firmly believed in civic duty and supporting his community as a member of the DF Planning Board for over 20 years, Pine Crest Development (treasurer) for 20 years, and the Jaycees. He was a devout Catholic with a personal relationship with Christ, loved his faith, and was a parishioner for 50 years at St. Thomas Aquinas of Our Lady of the Snows Parish. He was a lector, a Eucharistic minister, and was a CCD teacher for many years. David was proud to represent the Knights of Columbus as Grand Knight and this brotherhood sustained many friendships over five decades! The Knights was a life-long passion with the members who formed a true brotherhood. Many former students, both local and from afar, would reach out to say thank you or give an update on their accomplishments.
David married, raised, and was surrounded by strong women. All pets in the Michaud house were male, as David was outnumbered most of the time! Family was most important in his life, hosting more than 20 relatives during the holidays. He traveled the world with his wife, Rheba, cataloging so many memories, from summers at Popham Beach to giving his respects at Normandy Beach and most recently watching the Red Sox play from Green Monster seats. David started many family traditions including the annual viewing of The Nutcracker, ceremony of seasoning the turkey at Thanksgiving, and reading the Bible story at Christmas.
David will miss playing poker with his close buddies, going to the theater and concerts with friends, cheering on his granddaughters as they excel in surfing (Ayla), soccer (Iris), and track (Emma), Asha as a budding actress, and grandson, Drew who derives great pleasure in restoring old cars.
David was a constant support to his family and the giver of unconditional love. He always signed his letters, "with love and prayers", so we now say "Love and Prayers" to David.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Donors Choose (https://www.donorschoose.org/schools/maine/rsu-68-msad-68/16254), Food for the Poor, or the Dover Foxcroft food pantry.
Memorial Visitations to honor David will be 6-8PM Friday, October 11, 2024, at Lary Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Saturday, October 12, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dover-Foxcroft. Immediately after Mass there will be a burial with Military Honors at the Dover Cemetery on the Vaughn Road in Dover-Foxcroft. The reception will follow at the family home on 40 Lincoln Street in Dover-Foxcroft. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.