Pierre M. Vezina was born in Ottawa on July 24, 1945, the son of Capt. Yves Vezina and Aurette Renaud Vezina. He graduated from the University of Montreal with a BA in philosophy.

His sister recalled his younger years.

My little brother Pierrôt

Growing up, Pierre was always in a good mood, and made us all laugh. He loved to find out how things worked, dismantling clocks, radio, and a toaster.

Once around six years old he removed the screws in a door. Our father tried to open it, and stayed with the door in his hands.

At seventeen Pierre was a cadet in the army and he represented Canada in Beasley, England. He came in first in rifle competition.

While in college he won first place in throwing the javelin. His record lasted for many years.

He crossed the Atlantic to Europe in a freighter where he visited many countries.

He came to Maine from Canada in 1974 and loved the ocean so much he decided to stay. He enjoyed working on the docks in Portland making net reels or doing boat repairs. He taught at Region Ten Vocational School where he taught welding and encouraged students to dance with the metal.

Pierre adored his daughter, Juliana “Bucket”. They had many memorable times on French Island, in Cundy’s Harbor, and Bowdoinham. When she was a baby, he read “The Diary of Paul Gaugin” until she begged for Sesame Street. She still remembers the “Floating Dinner”.

“I remember all the lessons he taught me about looking at life through non judgemental eyes. He taught me these while showing unconditional love and patience. There will always be a void in my heart without him but I will carry these lessons with me always and pass them on. I loved him so much.”

He and Susan, his “sweet love” have been together for nearly twenty years. They traveled to Canada several times to visit his family. Favorite stops were were Old Quebec City, the Gaspe Penninsula, and Prince Edward Island. They ushered in the 2000 New Year on the roof of his brother’s apartment in Montreal watching the fireworks on Mount Royal.

He was a master of metal and in his later years focused on sculptures. He would go to his shop with a thought and return with a bird, flower, African mask , bird feeder or chandelier. “The metal will show you what it wants to become”.

Pierre was a Rennaisance man and loved classical music, art, philosophy, gourmet cooking, opera, and people. He studied ballet and karate. He approached the world with the curiosity of a child. His laugh and smile were from his soul.

Pierre walked gently through his life, touching so many people along his path. Many people have mentioned something he taught them – not to hold prejudice or anger, to accept people from all walks of life, and to keep your spirit young. Pierre had “joie de vivre” about life and always said he was here to witness the beauty.

Pierre was predeceased by his parents and his brother Jean Yves. He is survived by his partner Susan North, daughter Juliana Herk Vezina, of Brunswick, sister, Micheline and her husband Roland Tissot, and nieces Marie, Manon, France and Brigitte Tissot and Yanik Vezina all of Canada.

A beautiful treasure is greatly missed.

A celebration of Pierre will be held on January 29 at Joshua’s Restaurant from 1- 4. Please come and share your memories.