Bernon “Ben” Madore

ARUNDEL – Ben was born in Biddeford on Jan. 20, 1936, to Donat and Andrella (Goulet) Madore. He spent his childhood falling in love with farming cattle and potatoes in Arundel with his parents and four brothers, Donald, Dennis, Leroy, and Ronald. At a young age, he was no stranger to walking to the Mildred L. Day one-room schoolhouse. It was important to him to be the first to arrive, starting the wood stove to ensure the classroom was warm and welcoming. This was just a glimpse of how beautiful his heart was.

Before graduating from St. Louis High School, Class of 1955, Ben joined the Army Reserves at the age of 17. After graduating, he worked as an auto body technician at Christiansen Ford, finding joy in the automotive industry. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Suzanne, at the Riverside Dance Hall. They married in June of 1961. With her unconditional love and support, his legacy began—as a father, businessman, farmer, community figure, and grandfather.

In 1961, Ben started Weirs Motor Sales, Inc. in Arundel. The business grew to include a GMC franchise and later, in 1996, he purchased a Ford franchise—Arundel Ford. These two businesses became a significant part of the Arundel community and, to this day, employ generations of Madore family members. Ben also became known for the innovative buildings that housed these businesses, earning national recognition for his inventive solar-heated auto body shop. He demonstrated the importance of sustainability and preservation for the generations to come.

While those businesses flourished, at home he never gave up the hobbies that brought him joy—raising Charolais cattle in Arundel and exploring the world with his wife. In the 1970s they brought a bit of Colorado to Maine—Geronimo, a buffalo. Ben trailered Geronimo to their home farm in Arundel, and it became a fun family adventure traveling around to state fairs where Geronimo was the main attraction. In the 1980s, they blended these two passions and owned a bustling cattle farm in South Dakota.

Ben was always busy taking care of his family and those around him, including helping to found the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department alongside like-minded men. As his family grew, he continued to attend every life event for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His hobbies evolved through the years—woodworking became an opportunity for him to leave a physical mark on the world. His hands built homes and dealerships, furniture for his children, and cradles for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ben was a man of few words, but in his heart, he was full of pride, love, and dedication.

He is survived by his bride of 64 years, Suzanne (Watson) Madore. Together they had four children, Peter and his wife Jeannie (Smith) and their four children, Lindsey Labbe, Katlyn Trottier, Jenna King, and Anna Green; Bruce and his wife Beth (Desmarais) and their daughter, Brittany; Kenneth and his children, Olivia and Ethan; and Linda and her husband Robert Zuke and their sons, Julian, Joseph, and Wyatt. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren; as well as his brother, Ronald.

We honor Ben’s legacy with visiting hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. the following day, Thursday, Oct. 23 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 178 Elm St., Biddeford. Interment will follow immediately afterwards.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Ben’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made

in Ben’s honor to the

Arundel Historical Society

3 Talbot Drive

Arundel, ME 04046