LEWISTON – Lionel “Nel” Denis, 74, left this Earth on Dec. 13, after a brief struggle with cancer, with his family by his side.

He was born on Feb. 22, 1934, the son of Louis and Jeanne Delisle Denis. He grew up with brothers, Robert and Louis and lived his entire life in his hometown of Lewiston. His marriage to Dorothy Ayotte on June 9, 1956, lasted 52 years and produced two sons, Larry and Bob.

He loved many things, including those that follow but not necessarily in order of their importance to Nel. He loved his boat and spending time with his fishing buddies, Lou Lagace and Norm Leclair.

He told a good many fishing stories – some true and some perhaps not so true. He loved nature and the outdoors – regardless of the weather or the mosquitoes – and if the weather was bad, he could be found enjoying National Geographic or consulting Consumer’s Report.

Never were purchases made by any family member unless first consulting with Nel to get all the facts from CR. He loved family get-togethers and always marveled at how Dot could throw together an elaborate meal with little advance notice. Most importantly, he loved his family, his sons and grandchildren and watching any sport in which his grandchildren were participants.

He had a gift for carpentry which he passed on to his son, Bob. Although son Larry often lived in other parts of the country as an adult, he never forgot that raising his two boys was the greatest accomplishment he had ever made and he was very proud of both.

He went to wherever Larry might be remodeling a home, whether it was in Maine or out of state. Every house that Larry and Bob ever had was touched in some way by the hand of their Dad. Bob had worked with his dad from the age of 14, more recently working with him on his condo project at Colonial Ridge.

They could often be heard in heated debate about the proper way of doing things, only to be laughing together a short time later. He worked initially for Gerry Pelletier & Sons and for many years for Edward Hebert & Sons, until his retirement.

There are hundreds of homes in the Lewiston area where his handiwork is still regarded as fine craftsmanship. If he had a job at hand, the customer always knew that it was going to get done and be done well. He was known as “Mr. Meticulous.”

Dot always said that anything that was of concern to them could always be rectified by a “ride.” And a ride they took. They would hop in the car and strike off for destinations unknown to strengthen their relationship and to have a little time alone. He made it very clear to both Bob and Larry that they always should respect their mother. He was content with what he had in life and expected nothing more.

He took great pride in his children, in their accomplishments and in the legacy he would leave behind. As a young father, he was up at 3 a.m. to drive his boys while they delivered newspapers; always ready to drive Bob and Larry to early hockey practice and games; and when they were teenagers, “allowed” them to overtake his garage for a place to “hang out” with their buddies to talk about or work on their motorcycles.

His grandchildren were the greatest source of his pride – doing well in school, academically and athletically – and proving that what he had instilled in his own children was clearly passed on – faith, trust, honesty and goodness.

The first of his three grandchildren, Chesney, says that his “Pepere” was always there to drive him back and forth to school where they would discuss the great lessons of life in heartfelt “man to man” talks.

Of course, Pepere’s heart was also wrapped around his two granddaughters, Carley and Tori, both remembering that Pepere was always hugging and kissing them while whispering in their ears “la fille de Pepere,” and “Pepere loves you very much.” He knew Chesney and his two girls would accomplish whatever they set their minds to.

And he not only loved his own grandchildren but was Pepere to other children, as well, including Brenna and Sylvia. Daughter-in-law Darlene was truly the daughter he never had and he was pleased and proud when Bob brought her into the family.

“Nothing comes to us without a lot of hard work and determination,” he said. “But it’s well worth the effort when one looks back through the years.” Leaving his family was one of the hardest things he had to face when diagnosed with cancer. Asking how much time he had left, he squarely met the challenge and spent his last days reveling in the love of his family. He was a kind and gentle man.

He was a communicant of Holy Family Church and had a deep abiding faith in the plans that the good Lord has for each of us. Those who knew him would say that he fulfilled those plans and God is not disappointed. Perhaps a thought which best describes how much Nel Denis will be remembered is in these words, “When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.” Nel Denis lived his life to the fullest; his family is crying and he will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Larry and his son, Bob and wife, Darlene, and grandchildren, Tori, Carley and Chesney Denis.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Louis.