Maurice E. Friot
1918-2016
Maurice Eugene Friot was born on October 2, 1918 to Perley C. and Florence (West) Friot in Lakeville, New York, and grew up on the family farm in the Town of Conesus. He entered everlasting peace in Oklahoma City on October 19, 2016.
He was educated in the schools of New York State, receiving his doctorate in education from the University of Buffalo in 1955. He served as teacher, principal, director of elementary education, assistant superintendent and superintendent of schools in school systems in upstate New York, retiring as Superintendent of the public schools of the City of North Tonawanda, New York in 1973.
Becoming an elementary school principal in 1939 at the age of 20, he was the youngest school principal in New York State at the time of his appointment. He became a Scoutmaster at the age of 21, bringing the Scouting program to rural youth who had not had that opportunity. Especially interested in the education of young children, he was proud of having established the first Head Start program in New York State. His professional activities included membership on the New York State Education Commissioner's Advisory Council of Superintendents, as well as membership in numerous professional organizations.
He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, commanding P.T. Boat 383 in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 28 in the Philippines. His love for his crew, and memories of their wartime experiences together, lasted his entire life. He retired from the Navy Reserve in 1961, as a Lieutenant Commander.
He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Erwin (Jewett) Friot, in 1996, after which he moved to Edmond to be near his family. He married Doris (Bohlke) Grieve Friot in 1999. Maurice and Doris enjoyed seven years together, dividing their time between their home in Edmond and the family cottage in Canada, until her death in 2006. He is survived by his daughter, Faith Elizabeth Friot, of Denver, his son and daughter in law, Stephen and Nancy Friot, of Edmond, his grandson, Andrew, and wife, Elena, of Tampa, and his unborn great-granddaughter, the child of Andy and Elena. During his final years, and especially during his final months, he benefitted immensely from the loving, compassionate and everlastingly patient care of his devoted friend, Kathleen Carter. The family expresses its appreciation to the caring and compassionate staff at Epworth Villa as well as to Edmond Mobile Meals, the services of which made it possible for Dr. Friot to live independently for many years.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Southern Hills Christian Church, 3207 S. Boulevard in Edmond. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 270968, Oklahoma City, OK 73137-0968 or to Edmond Mobile Meals, 25 W. 3rd St., Edmond, Oklahoma 73003.