LEWISTON – Eugene “Gene” Emile Blais, 65, of 48 W. Bates St., died Tuesday, Dec. 13, after a brief illness, with his family by his side.

He was born on June 22, 1940, the son of Emile and Blanche Blais. He was a graduate of Lewiston High School, Class of 1959.

He married the former Antoniette “Tony” Hidish on July 18, 1964, and for many years he owned Ron’s Cafe in Lewiston. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and loved cooking, gardening and being outdoors.

He leaves two daughters, Jackie Bernier of Auburn, and Melissa Veilleux and her husband, Gary, of Lewiston; three grandchildren, Jeremy and Jessica Bernier of Auburn, and Amber Veilleux of Lewiston; two sisters, Loraine Gervais of Lewiston and Claire Blais of Westbrook; and one brother, Gerald Blais of California.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 35 years, Antoniette; two brothers, Bert and Roger Blais; and two sisters, Irene Landry and Rita Duplissis.