LEWISTON – Fernand L. Deschaine, 78, formerly of Sabattus, died Saturday, Dec. 24, at d’Youville Pavilion, where he had been a resident for the past year.

Born in Frenchville on June 5, 1927, he was the son of Philip Deschaine and Dorithie Ouellette. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army.

Prior to his retirement, he was a self-employed plumber. He enjoyed working in his son’s garage, where he would repair and rebuild water pumps. While doing this, he had the opportunity to meet customers and spend time reminiscing about the past.

Survivors include his companion for the past 23 years, Jacqueline Bisson of Lewiston; five sons, Robert and wife, Sylvia, Frank, Ross and wife, Terry, Bert and wife, Jeannie, and Gary, all of Sabattus; three daughters, Jackie Marquis and husband, Robert, of Lewiston, Connie Begin and husband, Paul, of Sabattus, and Diane Pulk and companion, John Bilodeau, of Sabattus; a sister, Lucy Ouellette of Auburn, 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Gerard Deschaine; former wife, Therese Deschaine; five brothers; and three sisters.