Donald Lariviere

Dayton

Donald "Don" Lariviere, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 after a 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was 75 years of age.

He was born on May 28, 1948, to Phillip and Lucille Lariviere in Biddeford, Maine. Don attended Notre Dame de Lourdes School and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the United States Army Reserve. Don studied at the University of Southern Maine and earned a Masters in Education.

He met Elaine Goulet at a dance hall and they married on November 26, 1970 at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford. They purchased a farm in 1973 and made it their forever home. Dedicated to hard work, his life revolved around the farm and his family. Teaching was not his thing and he transitioned to a truck driving career at UPS in addition to his organic farming passion. Don had every kind of animal and crop, which all thrived under his care. Don and Elaine enjoyed harvesting produce from their gardens and canned together.

Upon retirement, his focus shifted in part to LaDawn Quarter Horses which raised world class quarter horses and started a Therapeutic Riding Center in 2001. Don built the new barn basically on his own after the trusses were up and continued to maintain it to his death. He helped establish LaDawn as a community for people of all ages with or without a disability who wanted a relationship with a horse in a safe environment. He dedicated his heart, soul, and sweat to the facility.

Don enjoyed his daily chores. Haying, his huge organic garden, caring for his chickens, and taking care of his beehives and orchard were just a few favorites. When time permitted, he enjoyed reading, advocating for women's rights and following politics. Don had a famous T-shirt collection of politically incorrect statements. His deep, contagious laugh would typically start after someone would read his t-shirt. Don's dry humor was famous and a personal motto was to include laughter everyday. He continued to have future goals to the end which included building a geodesic dome for his garden or even three.

Mr. Lariviere was a parishioner of St. Philip Church in Lyman where he volunteered for many of the church activities with his wife Elaine.

He was predeceased by one brother Stephen Lariviere.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Elaine Lariviere, daughters Donna Lariviere, Crystal Lariviere and grandson Caleb Donahue. He is also survived by siblings Rachel Levesque, Claire Deprey and husband Andy, Jacky Lariviere, Michael Lariviere and wife Julie, sister in law Pam Lariviere, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1PM Monday, February 26, 2024, at St. Philip Church, 404 Goodwins Mills Road, in Lyman. Burial will be private. To view Donald's memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations to LaDawn Quarter Horses Therapeutic Riding Center - 995 Goodwins Mills Road - Dayton, ME.