Lucien (Lou) Phoenix died Dec. 14, 2017, in Deer Isle, Maine. He was born in Derby, Vt. on Dec. 9, 1920, to Edgar and Gabrielle (Fournier) Phoenix.
Lou grew up on his family’s Vermont farm, moved to Bristol with his family in 1940, and worked at New Departure for more than 30 years. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, had a strong work ethic, and was proud of his role as a good provider for his family.
From 1942-46, he served his country as a Corporal with the 36th Armed Infantry in France, Belgium and Germany. He lost his identical twin brother, Roland, who also served, which had a profound impact on his life. After the war, Lou married Simone Ayotte, of Winslow, Maine, and raised seven children on Chippens Hill in Bristol. After his divorce and retirement in the 1970s, he returned to Vermont, then moved to Maine in 2010 to be closer to family.
Lou was predeceased by his son, Michael of Marshfield, Vt.; and his brothers, Roland and Roger.
He is survived by his six children, Sandy Phoenix of Stonington, Maine, Lolly Phoenix of Emden, Maine, Fhyre Phoenix of McKinleyville, Calif., Terry Fairchild of South Ryegate, Vt., Brenda Phoenix, Burlington, and Jackie Grannis-Phoenix, Camden, Maine; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister, Arline Newton, of Pittsfield, Mass.; his brother, Whitey Phoenix, of Tavares, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
A private service and burial will be held in Bristol in 2018.
Posted in New Britain Herald, on Saturday, 30 December 2017 21:59. Updated: Saturday, 30 December 2017 22:02.