AUBURN — Emile R. Clavet, 71, of Lewiston died peacefully on July 18, and went to be with Our Lord and Savior after a long and courageous battle with stomach cancer. His never ending courage throughout this battle awed the members of his family, who were by his side at the time of his passing.

Emile was born in Lewiston, Jan. 1, 1939, and was the son of Hector and Medora Clavet. He grew up at a time when work was hard to find, when a family gathered together and said grace before eating a meal, when a handshake stood for an unbroken promise and when going to Mass meant that you believed in living your life by the “Ten Commandments.”

Throughout his life, Emile was well-known as an exceptional athlete. He excelled in varsity basketball, baseball and football player at St. Dominic High School. He was passionate and successful in everything he chose to accomplish.

He enjoyed table pool and bowling, and was an avid golfer during his retirement years. He especially enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in their sporting activities. He was their biggest fan and his presence at every event gave his family the will to attain any goal. As a snowbird, Emile traveled yearly between Maine and Florida with his wife Georgette. They relished winters in Sarasota, Fla., and summers in Lewiston.

They were especially proud of the carefully sculptured flower gardens that they built together at both residences. The grounds at there home in Lewiston are a visual paradise. Emile lived a fruitful life and was a devout Catholic. He served his country in the Army National Guard and retired from Bath Iron Works in 2000 as a ship builder. Emile was a friend to many and left a positive impression on all those who entered his life, but he was most proud of his 50-year marriage to his best friend and beloved wife, Georgette C. Grenier.

In 1960, Georgette and Emile were married in a double wedding with Georgette’s sister Madeleine and her husband Robert Girardin. Their union was admired by all. Georgette stood by Emile’s bed side, hand in hand until the time of his peaceful passing at 1:51 p.m. on July 18, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin. Emile was a loving husband, a courageous father, a gentle grandfather, a supportive brother, an inspiring uncle and a loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife, Georgette, and their four children; Emile L. and wife, Jane Clavet and their children Gage, Lexi, Loren and Mitchell of Auburn; daughter, Celeste and her children, Samantha and Marshall Dean and her husband, Michael Onofrio of Lewiston; daughter, Venise and husband, Mark Fournier and their children, Hannah, Noah and Elijah of Auburn; and son, Luke Clavet and his wife, Terry, of Lewiston; his brother, Edmond and wife, Arleen Clavet, of Sacramento, Calif.; sister, Cecile and husband, Ron Poulin, of Lisbon Falls; and many, many relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his oldest brother, Roland; and his beloved son, Bernard.

Emile will be missed by all. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing this great, loving man.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.