AUBURN – Richard W. “Dick” Lacourse of Lewiston died Wednesday, Nov. 28.

He was born in Lewiston on May 24, 1933, the son of Edward and Clara (Rodrique) Lacourse. He died peacefully after a long illness with his family by his side with the same integrity and dignity in which he lived his life.

He attended school at St. Louis and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1951. During this time, he worked at the Auburn Theatre.

Dick then went on to serve proudly four years in the U.S. Air Force with active duty during the Korean Conflict. He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal and National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea, President Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal during this time.

He continued his military career for 28 more years with the 243rd Air National Guard in South Portland and the 1125th U.S. Army Hospital in Auburn, where he retired as first shirt in 1982. He also received the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his meritorious service to the 1125th U.S. Army Hospital.

He went to work for New England Telephone Co. (now Verizon) on Oct. 18, 1955. He was a lineman, cable splicer and retired as cable repair supervisor in Lewiston, with 37 plus years of service. He enjoyed his time spent there and especially his crew.

He was very active in the community his whole life, he enjoyed being busy with many interests. He served as the following: American Red Cross chairman of the board – taught classes for them in CPR and first aid, EMT instructor at CMVTI and a certified EMT, member of the Lost Valley Ski Patrol 1965 to 1977, patrol leader Lost Valley Ski Area 1970 to 1977 – also headed the junior patrol during this time, life member of the National Ski Patrol, member of Community Little Theatre, loaned executive to Lewiston – Auburn United Way, served on the supervisory board at Rainbow Federal CU, Andy Valley Umpire Assoc., Minot Moonshiners Snowmobile Club, eight years as selectman and tax assessor in Buckfield. He served on the SAD 39 school board, Boy Scouts of America in Lewiston and scout master in Hebron and had an active role in Junior Achievement at St. Joseph’s School in Lewiston.

He was also one of the founding members of the Hebron-Buckfield Rescue Unit. He always enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling and his fishing endeavors with Ron Levesque and his childhood friend, Norm Lamiette.

He started doing lighting at Lewiston Junior High School for Magic Pops and various area school talent shows and dance studios after retirement. He especially enjoyed working with Mary Jane and Kevin on their dance recitals and with the senior boys line. It was a very special time for him especially when he would join them on stage for a surprise performance.

He spent many years fondly doing Montello Nights of Stars with Geiger Bros. and Montello personnel putting on a wonderful evening dedicated to children.

During his retirement, he started a second career with LL Bean in Lewiston, retiring 10 years later after being the Ergo coordinator at Peck’s and working on the performances of Sunday with Santa for the LL Bean employees and their families.

St. Dom’s family theatre was another enjoyment that he had dedicating many hours of building the sets for many performances and working with the many performers and Brother Bert to put on many memorable occasions.

His love for work also brought him to retire from many jobs during his retired years: Hannaford – bag boy of the year award, Rainbow Federal C.U., Auburn Mall Candy Store and Lewiston Sun Journal – customer service. He was quoted as stating “The day you stop working is the day you die.” His greatest pleasure was hard work and he enjoyed it always. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus serving several councils in Lewiston over the years and as an officer on several occasions. He served three terms as faithful navigator of the Rev. Peter C. Conroy Assembly 2516 Fourth degree at Holy Family Church and he was a member in the Third Degree of Council 10019. He was very proud to serve in this capacity and also a member and strong supporter of the honor guard and color guard.

He was a strong gentleman who enjoyed his life and community to its fullest. He also enjoyed seeing the looks on his family and friends and community’s faces when gathered at various functions.

He is survived by his caregiver, loving wife and best friend, Jeanne of Lewiston, whom he married Dec. 22, 1978; his loving children, Deborah Timmer and husband, Ron, of Hodgenville, Ky., Robert (Bob) Lacourse and wife, Maureen, of Newport News, Va., Donna Lacourse and partner, Monica Baldini, of Round Rock, Texas, and Russell (Russ) Lacourse of Anchorage, Alaska; five grandchildren, Mike Timmer and wife, Kim, of Bowling Green, Ky., Jesse Timmer of Murray, Ky., Ryan Lacourse of Phoenix, Ariz., Ashley Lacourse of Newport News, Va., and Rainier Baldini of Round Rock, Texas; one brother, Robert (Bob) Lacourse and wife, Ellie, of Amarillo, Texas; two brothers-in-law, Jim Gears of Burlington, Vt., and Dennis Gears of South Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and one brother, Leo Lacourse.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Dr. Jeff Miller, Dr. Carolyn Kase, Dr. Nickolette Erickson and her office staff, M1 at CMMC and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice with his special nurse, Laurie and her family for going above and beyond, his long-time and special PT Julie and Martins Pt. case managers, Kathy Bainer and Anita King and the Rev. Mike Seavey for his dedication and for all there care and concern through his journey, Mary Jane’s School of Dance, Mary Jane, Kevin and the senior boys that made there surprise hospital appearance and Travis for all his warmth and visits at home and in the hospital and the care he showed our father and husband during this time, Kevin, Janice, Jasmine and Kelsey for the cider, cookies and cards and all the visits to cheer him. Also, thank you Jasmine for being the orange popsicle patrol nurse it was great!

Thank you all for making the difference and going the extra mile for us during this difficult time.