Nathan M. Desjardins, 20

Nathan Desjardins

ALBION – Nathan Michael Desjardins, 20, of Albion, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston as a result of injuries sustained in a search and rescue operation while working for the Fryeburg Police Department, who were assisting the Maine Warden Service.

Nate was born on June 12, 1996, in Waterville, the second son of Nicole (Proulx) Desjardins and Brian Desjardins.

Nate was educated in local schools, enjoyed soccer and graduated with academic honors from Lawrence High School, Class of 2014. During his sophomore year in college, he pursued his dream of studying abroad, and was fortunate enough to spend a semester in Seville, Spain, where he fell in love with the people and the culture, and where he also continued to learn how to play the violin, which he continued to teach himself when he returned to Maine.

Nate enjoyed many styles of music, with country being his favorite, and he was ecstatic that he was able to recently attend his favorite country music artist’s (Josh Turner) concert with one of his best friends. He pursued employment opportunities which would enhance his passion for learning and serving the public through roles as an EMT and reserve police officer, while using the money earned to pay for his college education.

He had completed his third year at the University of New England, School of Nursing, and had a clear vision of using his education to better his contribution to police departments, EMT service or any agency called upon to assist others in time of need. Nate always spoke highly of his friends at UNE, the excellent caliber of his professors and continued to thrive and excel academically.

Nate enjoyed the outdoors, be it skiing, fishing or kayaking. His hike up Mount Katahdin gave him a love of hiking and was in keeping with his decision to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise on a regular basis at a gym and becoming a decent cook with a wide range of tasty dishes to whip up.

He was a focused individual who wanted to make a difference in this world by contributing whatever he could, wherever he could, whenever he could. His was to be a selfless life with a relationship with God foremost; others second and himself third; such was his compassion. Even in death, he gave of himself as an organ donor so others could enjoy life a little better.

Nate is survived by his parents; his brother, Ross Desjardins; his grandmother, Susan Proulx; as well as a very large extended family and circle of friends.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Nate’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 17, at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 72 Pleasant Street, Waterville. A celebration of Nate’s life will follow from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Notre Dame Catholic Church Hall, 110 Silver Street, Waterville.

A tribute to Nate will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine.

In keeping with Nate’s love of education and especially UNE, please consider making a memorial gift in his name to: University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103.