BRUNSWICK – On Monday morning March 14, 2022
Lionel “Lee” Poliquin passed away quietly in his sleep at the age of 91. He was the son of Lionel Poliquin, Sr. of Lewiston and Helen Bouchard Poliquin originally from Aroostook County.

Lee was born and raised in Waterville along with his lovely wife Esther Louise “Lou” to whom he was dedicated for 72 years. He was an enthusiastic and skilled basketball and baseball player at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass. and then Colby College in Waterville. After graduating, Lee began 30 years of teaching and coaching Central Maine youngsters in Hartland, Corenna, Belgrade and Waterville where his 7th grade social studies class was legendary. His playful humor kept students on their toes; his genuine concern for their well-being made special connections with many who struggled through school. At South Grammar Elementary School in Waterville, Principal Lee Poliquin quietly marshaled volunteers to prepare breakfast for children arriving at school hungry before such programs existed.

For 35 enjoyable years, Lee traveled the state encouraging countless high school athletes as a colorful basketball official while sharing his affection for the game. He coached his two sons, Jim and Bruce, on the mighty Levine’s Little League Team at Lockwood Park across from the former Hathaway Shirt factory in Waterville. Coach Poliquin used organized sports to teach hundreds of Central Maine youth the lessons of hard work, fair play and having fun.
Always the busy entrepreneur, during summers he sold life insurance and operated Lee’s Lobster Pound on Madison Avenue in Skowhegan. After retiring from teaching and coaching, Lee became an early morning round table fixture at John’s Market on Western Avenue in Waterville, playfully jousting about current events in Maine and beyond.

In 1990, his only grandchild Sam arrived who immediately became the light of his and Lou’s life. Papa and Sam grew together with an everlasting bond of pure love and joy. Lee patiently taught Sam the gentleman’s game of cribbage and then was outfoxed during their “tournaments” over the ensuing 20 years.

Throughout his life, Lee was a proud and devoted Franco-American Catholic who always looked out for the little guy. He gave his life to the Lord, to his family, and to the betterment of a generation of deserving Central Maine boys and girls. His dry and frisky humor brightened the days of all who shared his company. Sadly, our world is a little less cheerful without Lee Poliquin around.

He is survived by his wife Louise; younger son Bruce; grandson Sam; sister Anne Laliberte; and a number of nieces and nephews. His older son Jim passed away some years ago.

There will likely be a memorial service in Waterville this summer.

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