OBITUARY

Matthew George Tardie

MAY 1, 1961 – MARCH 24, 2019

Milford--Matthew George Tardie, 57 passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2019. Matt was born in Fort Kent, Maine on May 1, 1961, and raised in Eagle Lake, the son of Fernand “Pete” and Catherine (Martin) Tardie. Matt is survived by his daughter Janie Jenkins, his sister Mary, brother-in-law John Lee, his pets Midnight and Oakley and many close relatives, friends and former students. Matt was usually unsuccessful in concealing his overwhelming love for and pride in daughter Janie’s accomplishments. He was a frequent visitor to the school offices in Hampden, Old Town and Orono and rarely did a visit not include a story about the challenges of being a Dad or a special visit from his “therapy dog” Midnight. The “Dad stories” left little doubt that being Janie’s Dad was a highlight of Matt’s life and a job he loved. When others accused him of spoiling her (or his beloved pets) he’d say “she is not spoiled but loved”. As a lifelong educator, Matt’s professional career spanned from middle to college level. He taught in Houlton, MDI and Orono and served as the Orono Middle School athletic director from 2008-2013. At the time of his death Matt served as the Regional Director of Adult Education for the communities of Hampden, Old Town and Orono, forming what is now known as the Riverside Adult Education partnership. Matt had successfully grown all three programs expanding educational opportunities for adults across Penobscot County. He provided educational programs at the Penobscot County Jail and the Penobscot Job Corps and was a member of the Academic Advisory Council at Penobscot Job Corps. In 2015, Matt was awarded the Champion of Literacy award from Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. This distinction is given to a person who partners closely with Literacy Volunteers to support the work of promoting adult literacy in the area. Matt loved the Packers, Red Sox, Bruins, and the Beatles, antique toys, comics, his daughter, his sister and St. Patty’s Day dinner. He was a humble, kind and generous soul and everyone who knew him loved him. A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, April 6th from 1pm to 4pm at Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main St Old Town. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Matthew Tardie Memorial Adult Education Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to: RSU 34, 156 Oak Street, Old Town, Maine 04468.