OXFORD – After an arduous battle with cancer, Bertrand G. Pelletier passed away surrounded by family and friends at his home in Oxford on Monday, Jan. 28.

Typical of Franco-American families of his generation, Bertrand was one of many children. He was born on Feb. 7, 1947, to Jeremie and Lucille (Girardin) Pelletier in Lewiston.

In 1963, ‘Bert’ was seriously injured in a car accident. The Lord decided to spare his life but touched his mind, leaving him with a brain injury.

In 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy and traveled throughout the United States. In 1970, he met his lovely and devoted wife, Patricia Gagnon. They wed on May 8, 1971, and were married for 36 years. The couple had two adoring children, Bertrand and Lucinda.

He was an avid sportsman and gardener. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and growing various types of plants. He had a true appreciation of nature and spent many hours outside walking in the Maine woods.

He was a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ working various construction and landscaping jobs. He was a professional woodsman and spent many years harvesting lumber in western Maine. He worked for the town of Oxford, where he played a pivotal role in developing the town’s refuse recycling program. Later, he managed the Poland transfer station and eventually opened his own recycling business.

Surviving members of his family include his wife; children; granddaughters Anderson, Campbell and Delaney Houston; their father, Jason Houston; as well as six brothers; and five sisters.

He was predeceased by his mother; father; and eldest brother, Romey.

His quick wit and sardonic disposition made him hard to forget. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him best. Rest in peace, father, husband, friend.

Special thanks to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, and Maurice and Leonard Pelletier.