AUBURN – Bertrand Real Bergeron, 67, of Auburn, died peacefully at his home Tuesday, Oct. 4, following a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 9, 1938, the son of Edmond and Antoinette (Leveille) Bergeron. He attended both St. Famille and St. Mary’s elementary schools, and was a student at St. Francis in Biddeford for two years. He graduated from St. Dominic High School in 1956.

After high school, Bert enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic. He enjoyed his tour of duty in Europe, and was stationed in Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. He was a member of the New Auburn American Legion Post No. 153.

He was a paint and coatings specialist. For 23 years, he worked at the Sherwin-Williams paint store in Lewiston, most of those years as store manager. After leaving Sherwin-Williams, Bert and a partner opened Devoe Color center in Lewiston. Most recently, he worked at Pineland Lumber as an inside salesman.

He was a very active member of his community. Over the years, he served as president of the St. Louis Booster Club and president of the New Auburn Little League, and was an active member of the Lewiston Lion’s Club. He is a past member of the St. Louis Parish where he served on the parish council, and was a lector and a member of the folk group.

He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. His favorite activity was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to learn new things, and had a fascination with science and nature. He enjoyed traveling, and was an avid crossword and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, the former Joan Dube, of Auburn, whom he married May 1, 1965; a daughter, Susan Smith and her husband, Robert, of Mechanic Falls; two sons, Steven Bergeron and his wife, Jennifer, of Waterville, and David Bergeron and his wife, Nicole, of Turner; five grandchildren, Gabrielle Smith, Phillip and Rachael Bergeron, and Shane and Phillip Smith; and a sister, Germaine Doyon, of Lewiston.

He was predeceased by a sister, Pauline Bergeron; and a brother, Roger Bergeron.

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