AUBURN — Gilbert Vaillancourt, 88, of Auburn, died Jan. 10 at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice in Auburn surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lowell, Mass., on Oct. 10, 1924, the son of Peter and Laura Roy Vaillancourt.
While growing up, Gil secretly incubated and hatched chickens in his father’s basement and had a love of chickens ever since.
He later attended Lewiston High School and helped his team win the Maine State Hockey Championship in 1942.
Gil served in the Army during World War II driving a Sherman tank and occasionally served as interpreter for the commanding officer when in France.
He married Paquerette Demers of Lewiston in 1946, and enjoyed many years bowling, teaching his sons to play hockey, camping, boating and water skiing with their five children.
He was active with the American Legion, VFW and Rotary Club. Gil worked at Soul Glass & Paint until he opened his business, Gilbert Glass. He later owned and operated Gilbert Art Gallery and Framing on Lisbon Street.
After becoming a widower, he married Therese Cloutier in 1975. They lived in North Carolina and Florida several years before returning to Maine. Besides traveling through the country with Terri, Gil participated in the National Senior Olympic games and won various gold, silver and bronze medals for horseshoe pitching.
Survivors include Therese, his loving wife of almost 38 years; four children, Dan, married to Kathy Moore, of Portland, Joan Steele of Chicago, Ron and companion, Dell LeBlanc, of Lewiston, and Joline Fournier; two brothers, the Rev Roger Vaillancourt of Saskatoon, Canada, and David and wife, Diane, of California, two sisters, Mona Johnson of Nevada, and Elaine of Washington; grandchildren including Michelle and spouse, Norbert Pulver, Shannon and spouse, Mary Lynn Meier, Eric and wife, Lindsay Joyce, Sean and companion, Chelsea Cramasta, Tiffany Fournier, Kelly Vachon, Bobby and Ryan. Great-grandchildren include Derek, Tyler, Jonathan and Emily.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Paquerette; his son Robert; his siblings, Pauline, Charlie, and Paul; and his son-in-law, Gareth Steele.
The family appreciates the compassionate care Gilbert received at the Hospice House. Donations, condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.
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