AUBURN — Richard A. Plourde, 54, of Auburn passed away after a long and enduring battle with cancer at his residence on Dec. 5. His family surrounded him and brought a Christmas tree in front of his bedside. He passed in his wife’s arms.

He was born in Lewiston, June 20, 1956, a son of the late Simon and Alice (Boucher) Plourde.

Richard graduated from Lewiston High School in 1974. He was a graduate of The University of Maine achieving a bachelor degree in civil engineering. He worked as an engineer for the City of Auburn then moved on to CLH and Son before becoming project manager and chief estimator for Gendron & Gendron.

Richard served as vice president of the East Auburn Community Unit. He also played softball with The East Auburn Lakers.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the Red Sox, the New England Patriots and gardening. He will always be remembered for his famous seafood chowder. Most of all, Richard enjoyed spending time with his family.

During Richards time at home, he developed a very close relationship with his granddaughter Myra, who had the chance to bond and spend lots of time with her Pepere.

Debra would like to extend to her gratitude to her children. A special thank you to our daughter Jennifer for making it possible for Dad to be at home with us and for coming to the home on the days I had to work. Thank you for the time you spent coming and caring for him. A big thank you to our son Jeffrey, for all of your enormous physical work on and at our home and your emotional support over the years. Thank you to our son, Dana, (Sgt. Dana) a big thank you goes out to you for your time and emotional support as well as your three tours overseas. We love you all very much. Thank you all three of you for your help, passion, smiles you brought to your dad. We love you very much.

Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debra (Longtin) Plourde of Auburn; his three children, Jennifer Bilodeau and husband, Christopher, of Turner, Jeffrey Plourde of Auburn and Dana Plourde and wife, Nicole, of Lewiston; three grandchildren, Myra Plourde of Turner, Reese Bilodeau of Turner and Paxton Plourde of Lewiston; brothers, Normand Plourde of Garland, Raymond Plourde and wife, Carol, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Roland Plourde of Indiana.

He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Plourde.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Seth Gordon, Dr. Yelena Patsiornik, St Mary’s Oncology nurses especially nurses Melanie and Stephanie and Androscoggin Home Hospice nurses.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Plourde family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.