Roger D. Ouellette

June 22, 1952 - June 20, 2012

Roger D. Ouellette of Poland Road, Auburn passed away June 20, 2012 under the tender care of the staff at the Androscoggin Hospice House and with his sisters by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Lewiston, June 22, 1952 he was the son of the late Adesse and Anita Bellefleur Ouellette. He was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at Sacred Heart Church. He received his early education at Sacred Heart School graduating from Edward Little High School in 1970. He received an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Southern Maine Community College in 1972. He continued his education at the Armed Forces Culinary School in Maryland graduating as Valedictorian in 1975. He also earned certification in nutrition management from the Meals on Wheels Association of America. He most recently was employed as the manager of nutrition services of Meals on Wheels in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. He also worked as an executive chef at Bates College and Ramada Inn in Lewiston, and was corporate chef at PFG North Center Food Service in Augusta. He was a Certified Executive Chef of the American Culinary Federation, a fellow of the American Academy of Chefs and inducted into the Honor Society of the American Culinary Federation. He was a certified food management professional of the National Restaurant Association and a member of the World Association of Cooks Society, the National Restaurant Association and the Maine Restaurant Association. Roger was active in community service as an advisory board member of The Culinary Arts Program of SMCC, CMCC and the CATC. He was the past local chairman of the Chefs Auction Committee for the March of Dimes and a culinary judge of the Skills USA Program. Roger received several career awards. He was the ACF Maine Chapter 'Chef of the Year' in 1995 & 2005. He received the ACF President Award in 1999 & 2004 and the National President's Medallion in 1996. In 1998 he was voted the Allied Member of the Year by the Maine Restaurant Association. He also received the Director's Award from the Maine Chapter of ACF and the President's Medallion from the American Culinary Federation. After his father's passing in 1990 Roger lived with his mother and was her primary caretaker until her passing this past February. He was a caring brother and good friend to many. The family wishes to thank Roger's work family at Meals on Wheels who supported him throughout his illness. They made him feel he was contributing even during his sickest times. Roger is survived by his sisters, Marie Adams and husband Ray of Hanahan, SC, Charlene Lacasse and husband Normand of Lewiston, Jacqueline Strong and husband Richard of Auburn: several nieces and nephews, Cynthia Dyson and husband Jacob, Jeffrey Adams and wife Michelle of Hanahan, SC, Cheryl Lacasse, Gary Lacasse and wife Carrie, Nancy Lavertu and husband Marc all of Lewiston; Michael Strong and wife Vanessa of Littleton, MA, and Matthew Strong of Auburn: Grand nieces and nephews include Adam, Taylor, and Kelsey Austin of Hanahan, SC, Katie LaBonte and husband David of Gorham, Kriten Lacasse, Chantalle and Kevin Lavertu of Lewiston, and Maximillian and Dante Strong of Littleton, MA. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com NOTICE- Ouellette-Died in Auburn June 20, 2012. Roger D. age 59 of Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church. Committal Prayers to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the local Meals on Wheels, c/o Seniors Plus, 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, Maine 04240. Visitation Thursday evening 4-7 PM at the Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240. 784-4023.