Renald Alcide Dubois passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023, at the age of 88 after a 10-year battle with heart disease, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to carry his love for them in their hearts.
Renald was born on April 15, 1935, to Aime and Bertha Dubois (both Canadian immigrants who met and settled in Biddeford). After graduating from St. Louis High School in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marines and fought bravely in the Korean War. After his service, he returned home to Biddeford where he met the love of his life, Yvette Violette Boucher.
While courting Yvette, Renald completed his engineering studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology and the University of Connecticut. He loved participating in academic “think tanks” and remained passionate about solving engineering problems over his 38-year career in facilities engineering management. Following graduation, they were married (June 18, 1960), and honeymooned in Miami, traveling south in a 1960 Chevy Impala convertible!
Renald and Yvette were blessed with three daughters – Cynthia (CJ), Sharon, and Robin, all born in Torrington, Connecticut, and raised in Biddeford. Renald valued education and educational experiences, and shared his “continuous learning” passions with his girls … through history-based travel, caring for a variety of domestic animals, learning to play instruments, taking creative art classes, and attending college. Ensuring his daughters all received a college degree was so very important to him.
In 1998, Renald retired and shortly thereafter became an official “snow bird,” enjoying 15 years in Florida with his wife. During these years, he enjoyed seeing all the new development along the eastern seaboard as they made their annual driving pilgrimage to their homes in Davenport and Winter Haven, and he loved spending time at Disney and talking about its evolution over time.
Renald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Yvette Violette Dubois; three daughters Cynthia Jody (husband Donald Cote), Sharon Elaine (husband Jeff Tourigny), and Robin Faith (husband Norman Bailey); seven grandchildren, Chantel Tardif (35), Christine Cote-Saunders (32), Derek Bailey (31), Deanna Labelle (29), Michael Bailey (28), Ben Bailey (27), Ryan Bailey (25); and three great-grandchildren, Walker Saunders (3), Emilia Tardif (2), Wesley Tardif (11 months). He is also survived by his eldest brother, Raymond Dubois (95); and many nieces and nephews.
Renald was predeceased by his parents Aime and Bertha Dubois, his sister Connie Dubois-Gagne, brother Robert Dubois and wife Claudette, and sister-in-law Claire.
Services will be held at St Joseph’s Church (178 Elm St., Biddeford) on May 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests VA donations in memory of Renald Dubois. Checks can be made out to Maine Veteran Homes.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Gosnell Hospice House and for all the heartfelt thoughts and prayers!
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