Adrien R. Thibeault

CANAAN – Adrien R. Thibeault, 94, of Canaan, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. He was born on April 15, 1929, in St. Venant de Paquette, Quebec, the son of the late Joseph and Rose Ida (Marquis) Thibeault. He grew up on Indian Stream and Hall Stream in Pittsburg. Adrien attended school at St. Albert’s in Riverside which gave him the skills and a foundation for life-long learning. He shared in the operation of the family farm until 1950 when he purchased his own farm in Canaan. In 1950 he married Huguette Riendeau and together they operated the farm until 1960, when they purchased an appliance, propane, and fuel oil business which ran until 1973. The 1970s presented an opportunity for a change in careers, and in 1974 they started their real estate office, taking on an insurance agency in 1978. Sadly, Huguette passed way in 1988. Adrien retired in 1990, but continued a very active life. He considered himself fortunate to find Noella Routhier and together they travelled the world and enjoyed life for 30 years. He was a charter member of the original Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital Association and his work with that group helped to realize the inter-community goal of the establishment of the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook. He continued this association by serving for several years on the hospital’s Board of Directors. He also served for many years as a board member for the Community National Bank in Derby, Vt. He was a selectman for the Town of Canaan for many years. Adrien had been an active member of the Canaan Border Riders Snowmobile Club from its very beginning, and he served as Essex County Director of VAST for 5 years. Adrien was a Charter Member of the Border Lions Club where he held several active positions. For more than a quarter of a century he was a member of the North Country Board of Realtors and served on various committees. The Colebrook-Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce counted him as a long-time member, as did the Knights of Columbus. He served and faithfully attended Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Canaan and the North American Martyrs Parish at St. Albert’s. Adrien loved the company of family and friends. He was always ready to chat and crack a few jokes with neighbors and fellow townsfolk. Winter was an opportunity to get on the sleds and tour the beauty of the Northeast Kingdom. Traveling the world, seeing how people lived, and the architectural and scenic beauty, was journaled into many notebooks. In more recent years, his daily drives kept him abreast of the local happenings. Adrien and Huguette had six children: Carmen Burns (Robert), Odette Crawford (Harland), Patricia Fondry (Dave), Sylvie Leonard (Rob), Jules (Jan), Reginald (Lisa Serpa). He was also blessed to have 13 grandchildren: Robert, Carey (Carmen), Gabrielle, Ariana, Patrick (Patricia), Joseph, Michael, Daniel (Sylvie), Jacques, Justin, Jonathan (Jules), Reid, Erin (Reginald). There are also 17 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren on the way! He is survived by his sisters, Lucille Hughes (Robert) and Jeannine Burns (Hasen). In addition to both of his beloved wives, Adrien is predeceased by his sister Pauline, and his brothers Raymond, Maurice, and Normand. Calling hours will be held on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be the next morning, Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Albert’s Church in W. Stewartstown. A graveside interment committal will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. in St. Brendan's Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Thibeault’s memory to the UCVH, 181 Corliss Lane, Colebrook, NH 03576; or to the St. Brendan’s Cemetery Fund, in c/o North American Martyrs’ Parish, 55 Pleasant St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Adrien R. Thibeault

April 15, 1929 - January 15, 2024