Obituary of Maynard J. Meilleur

DEGRASSE - Satch (Maynard) J. Meilleur, age 81, of Lake George Road, Degrasse, passed away on Sunday morning, June 30, 2013 after a very courageous battle of lung cancer metastasized to the bone, at the home of his loving girlfriend, Connie, in Philadelphia. Connie and their loving families and friends were at his side. Satch was also under the loving and wonderful care of Jefferson County Hospice. Satch was the son the late Lawrence and Hazel (Thomas) Meilleur. He attended school in Degrasse and Russell until the age of 17 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. Satch was assigned to the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) and was active in the Korean War from June 1949 to April 1953 when he was honorably discharged, being separated at San Diego, CA. Satch belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 545 in Syracuse, which is now the Local 158. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for two years on permit; then joined the operating engineers in 1956. He worked for numerous contractors over the years. Some of them were Dutcher Clybourne, S&J Groves, Tuscarora, Lane, Perras, Buttons, Morrison Knuedson, and many more. There were many things Satch enjoyed doing. Some of them were socializing with his families and friends and singing with the local bands. Satch was always the life of the party and enjoyed life. He was a legend of his own and his name will live on forever. Satch even had a bar named after him, "Pour Ole Satch" in Russell. Satch was very well known; he was a loving, honest, trusting, handsome, supportive and well respected gentleman. He would give you the shirt off his back. Satch enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson back in his day and pulled quite a few stunts while doing so. He always said, "When you think you've mastered riding a Harley, it's time to get rid of it!" Satch enjoyed his trips to Florida, Las Vegas and his Caribbean cruises. He like riding snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, wave runners, going camping, fishing and hunting; especially moose hunting in Quebec. He was totally an outdoors sportsman. He enjoyed going to the Pine Tree Schoolhouse to play cards, hunt, trap and reminisce about good times and to have a few totties! Satch liked his crossword puzzles and loved spending time with Connie, Maurice (his cat) and his families and friends. Satch belonged to the American Legion Post 798 in Philadelphia. Satch is survived by his loving girlfriend of 28 years, Connie Noone. He has a son, Larry and Maggie Meilleur of Antwerp, a daughter, Jennifer Meilleur of Philadelphia, sister Betty and Ken Burns of Degrasse, two half sisters, Tammy Tebo of Norwood, Susan Fisher of Colton; a half brother, Bruce Tebo; sister-in-law, Janet and Tony Sweeney of Ogdensburg; and brothers-in-law, Frank and Keitha McCormick of Colton and Gary McCormick of Degrasse. He is also survived by a god-daughter, Kadie Booth of Philadelphia, god-son, Taz (Kevin) Booth of Philadelphia; three granddaughters, Missy and Liana Meilleur of Antwerp, Kimberly Meilleur of Harrisville; grandson-in-law, Jeff Knight of Gouverneur; two grandsons, Matt and Jessica Peabody of Star Lake, and Mark Peabody of Watertown. He has 4 grandchildren, Jarrett, Tanner, and Harley Knight and Olivia McCormick. Satch has many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Vaughan McCormick-Meilleur, a brother, Lemond Meilleur and sister, Bertha Ordway. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Edwards on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. His funeral will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Guy LaMothe officiating. Burial will be in the South Russell Cemetery. Donations in Satch's memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown NY 13601. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.