Leo A. Tardif

1929 – 2009

AUBURN – Leo A. Tardif, 80, of 14 Cushman Place, Auburn, died peacefully Friday evening, Oct. 23, at the Hospice House with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Jan. 16, 1929, the son of Armand and Eva (Duclos) Tardif.  Leo attended local schools and was a 1947 graduate of St. Dominic’s High School. After graduating, he began his banking career as a courier for Manufacturers National Bank in Lewiston. He left banking temporarily to join the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 589th Military Intelligence Service.

After completing his military obligations he returned to banking, ultimately retiring as a vice president of Norstar Bank in 1983.

Leo married the love of his life, Louise Legendre, on Oct. 17, 1953. They raised four children and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2003. He cherished the honor of escorting his niece, Madeleine, to the altar on her wedding day.

Leo’s favorite activities included fishing, woodworking, playing piano, singing and spending time with family. He also maintained a lifelong passion for language and history.

Leo is survived by his wife of 56 years, Louise Tardif, of Auburn; four children, Paul Tardif and his fiancée, Theresa Gagne, of Bangor, Marc Tardif and his wife, Wendy, of Auburn, Dr. Raymond Tardif and his wife, Cheryl, of Auburn, and Rose-Marie Francis and her husband, Peter, of Salt Lake City, Utah; his nine grandchildren, Ryan, Michael, Thomas, and Lauren and Janelle Tardif, as well as Tucker, Noah, Elise and Amie Francis, were the light of his life.

Leo was predeceased by one brother, Albert Tardif; and one sister, Cecile Aube.

The Tardif family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the support provided by friends and family during this difficult time. They are also very grateful for the care provided by Family Health Associates, Central Maine Medical Center and the Hospice House in Auburn.

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