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Thornton Academy
438 Main St.
Saco, Maine, 04072
(207) 282-3361
STORY BY SARA ROSARIO and ERIC MARTEL
PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN BY JOHN MORRELL and ERIK RYDER
It's spring of 1999. The community of Saco, Maine is grieving the tragic death of 15-year-old Ashley Ouellette. Now imagine being a good friend of Ashley's father Bob Ouellette, and having toÊorganize the wake and funeral at Dennett-Craig and Pate Funeral Home. That's the position that Jim Pate was put in three years ago, one he experiences quite often. As hundreds of people poured in through the doors, Pate had to do his job as co-owner, as well as comforting his good friend and his hometownÊof Saco. Pate is a father, coach, hard-worker, husband, and someone who cares about the Saco community.
Jim is proud of his work at the funeral home. "We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. We answer our own phones, receiving calls at all hours of the day. We personally meet with each family and structure theÊservice to their personal needs. We work with [people of] many different religions and socioeconomic levels. Our job reflects how a society cares for their dead. Our job also reflects the valueÊsocieties put on life. It is a celebration of the life lost. ÊWe are caregivers, community people, husbands and fathers."
Dennett, Craig & Pate serves about 170 families a year in their Saco and Buxton locations. The services vary greatly and allow the owners a wide range of travel and experiences. Ê"Each day is different.Ê That is what keeps it exciting and challenging," says Pate.
Engaging in a conversation with Pate, it is evident he feels strongly about many issues.Ê He loves to talk about technology, family, and community.ÊÊHe also enjoys looking back on his younger years. After the 1982 Thornton Academy Graduation, Jim PateÊsaid farewell to his high school friends, track, football, and the late nights at Old Orchard Beach.Ê Jim loved to share good times with friendsÊfrom high school, but now has matured into a man that feels passionately about his work and especially hisÊfamily.Ê
To him, TA is not that much different from when he attended in the late 70's and early 80's. The Saco-Biddeford rivalry still exists, students know how to have a good time, and Thornton's Battle of the Bridge game is still the talk of the town. About the rivalry Pate comments, "You better watch out how much you talk about those "Biddeford" people because once you get older and graduate you become greatÊfriends with the people across the river, we laugh now."
"There is no other place I would want to live, the communities of Saco and Biddeford are a great and safe place to live and raise my family.Ê I want my children to experience the same," says Pate.
He stillÊplays his part at TA and the community byÊsponsoringÊsome of the sports teams and by serving on the TA Alumni Board.ÊHis community involvement also extends toÊhis neighbor the Dyer Library and the SacoÊMuseumÊÊwhere he is the chairman ofÊtheÊBuilding and Grounds Committee.Ê He was the past Master of the Saco Masonic LodgeÊand is currently serving as Treasurer.Ê Mr. Pate is also a charter member of the Saco Bay Rotary Club.
Pate is a family man who was born and raised in Saco, Maine. He has two children, an eight year-oldÊson and a six year-old daughter.Ê Each are very involved in hockey, soccer and baseball.Ê TheyÊmake all the kids' sporting events a family affair.Ê "I makeÊit a point to get to every game," says Pate. ÊHe met the mother of his children in Portland when he was 23 years old. They later found out that they bothÊgraduated from Bentley College and shared the same friends but had never met.Ê
Whether Pate is preparing services to suit the individual needs of grieving families, cheering on his sons and daughters sporting events, or participating in alumni functions, he is always a vital part of Saco.
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