AUGUSTA – Arthur L. Beaulieu passed away Feb. 21, 2021 sadly, at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta several days after having colon cancer surgery. He was born at home in Augusta on the sub zero day of Feb. 8, 1934 to Arthur E. and Florida (Clouatre) Beaulieu, the youngest of eight children.

Arthur graduated from Cony High School in 1953 and in later years received a college degree.

He met the love of his life, Janet (King), they married in 1955 and started their family in 1957. He always said after meeting her the first time “she is going to be my wife”. They would have celebrated their 66th anniversary in May. They came into this world two days apart and their souls were rejoined within 18 days of leaving this world. They purchased their first home in Chelsea in 1960.

Arthur was ambitious, starting his own business (Outboard Motor Service) in the mid 1960’s in a one bay garage. He had the given gift of outstanding mechanical abilities (he could fix anything). Business flourished and another bay was built taking on Mercury Outboard Motors, snowmobiles, Manatee boats and Gibson lawn equipment. Once again, it was time to expand so he built a much larger building on the other side of their property. Even though he would work late in to the evening he made time for the family to go for an ice cream, especially fun in his Willys jeep.

Family vacations were always so memorable; the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, Niagara Falls, Quebec and New England.

He raced snowmobiles and got 1st place in the 1974 Sno Fest Senior Division Slalom.

In 1973, Arthur was pursued by the Capitol Area Regional Vocational Technical Center to teach their Small Engines class. Not having enough time to teach and run his business, he made the choice to close the business in 1975. He loved this position and had a way of gaining respect from his students and them wanting to do the best they could do in his class. Over the years, several students had stopped to say ‘hello’ in various places and thanked him for not only being a great teacher but also having a lasting influence on them personally.

Arthur came from a very musical family and he certainly inherited the genes. He taught himself to play the bass playing in several bands with son Steve as well as other bands until he was close to age 80. Janet loved his voice, especially when he sang Always On My Mind, and he made a point to sing it to her when she was in the audience.

Arthur and Janet loved to travel, their longest trip being a one month cross country trip in their camper visiting highlights in the upper part of the country, spending a week with their good friends, the Randall’s in Oregon and traveling back in the lower part of the country enjoying its memorable places.

In 1986 they made a trip with Laurie to Nashville. It was so enjoyed by all of them. They made two trips to Jayne and Jeff’s home in Florida and enjoyed relaxing on the lanai, looking for shells and sharks teeth on the beaches as well as visiting the local attractions.

Arthur and Janet made several trips to Canada enjoying each location.

They spent many years camping at Fryeburg Fair, reconnecting with their friends each year.

Arthur was an animal lover having several pets over the years. Of recent, he so enjoyed watching and feeding the chickens and roosters from next door and watching their dogs.

Arthur was a proud man and so very proud of his family. He just beamed with each endeavor whether it was Laurie racing snowmobiles, being part of the Clough’s Clydesdale crew, Jayne in the Whatever Week Queen competition and her accomplishments, and Steve with such success in his music career, and his grandchildren, Eric and Cady for their accomplishments and just being precious to him.

No man loved his family any more than Arthur! There are not enough accolades that are truly befitting to him – he did everything for his family and his family meant everything to him.

This special man is so sorely missed by his family; he was the best husband, father and grandfather that we could have ever had!

Arthur was predeceased by his parents, wife and love of his life Janet, brothers Armand and sister-in-law Desneiges, Orville and sister-in-law Bev, and Clement; sisters Grace and brother-in-law Floyd Bolstridge, Carmel and brother-in-law Arthur Plante, Lorraine, and infant Carmel.

Arthur is survived by daughter, Laurie Beaulieu of Augusta, daughter, Jayne and son-in-law Jeff Folger of Sidney, son, Steven and daughter-in-law Lila of Augusta; grandson, Eric Beaulieu and husband Nick of Augusta and granddaughter, Cady Beaulieu of Augusta; along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no services at this time. A graveside service will take place in the spring for both Arthur and Janet.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton-Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Donations in memory of Arthur can be made to: Kennebec Valley

Humane Society

10 Pethaven Ln.

Augusta, ME 04330

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