Francois “Frank” Louis Arbour Sr.

AUGUSTA – Joseph Francois “Frank” Louis Arbour Sr. of Augusta, died on March 5, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Frank was born April 26, 1937 in Augusta. He was the son of the late Jean Marie and Anita (Bernard) Arbour.

Frank was educated in the Augusta schools. Like many of his generation he left school early to help his mom and dad and family working many blue collared jobs, including working in the woods and cotton mill with his dad, Retread Shop Manager at Fort Western Tire Company and many years working with Ben King and Son as an electrician’s helper.

Frank married the love of his life, Bette Jean (King) Arbour June 22, 1957. They had six children, Debbie, Frank, Ralph, Paul, Dorothy and Jimmy. Frank talked often about his love for Bette and their shared enjoyment of camping, fishing, going to the coast for a nice steamed lobster and blueberry picking. Frank’s fondest memories with family and friends involved being in the woods, hunting, fishing.

He regularly watched baseball, football and basketball. He took pride in knowing the team players and their team stats. He also coached basketball and baseball, enjoyed bowling, softball, horseshoes and in his later years was a pretty good cornhole player. He loved playing cards and cribbage with friends at Le Club Calumet. Frank was the 72nd past president of The Club Calumet, serving from Jan. 11, 1992 to Jan. 9, 1993. This was one of his proudest professional accomplishments. He was an active member of the club for over 50 years. He enjoyed time there dancing with his wife, attending social events, spending time with his family and after the death of his wife, taking trips to the casino with his friends and Ralph, his son.

If you ever met Frank, you could not help but notice a kind, loving guy that always looked for a way to make the best of every situation and he was someone that would always help anyone, anytime. He was a true helper and optimist right to the end.

Franks was predeceased by his wife Bette Jean; his daughter, Debra (Arbour) Leigh; his sister, Lorraine J. Dufour, brother, Roger Arbour.

He is survived by four sons, Francois “Frank” L. Arbour Jr. and his longtime partner Carrie Moore of Palermo, Paul J. Arbour and his wife Becca of Hermon, Ralph S. Arbour and his wife Val of Augusta, Jimmy Arbour and his wife Angie of Madison, and a daughter, Dorothy Lapointe and her husband Mark of Windsor; 11 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, March 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where officers and members of Le Club Calumet are asked to meet at 2 p.m. to recite prayers for their departed member.

A private family ceremony will be scheduled at a later date. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.