AUGUSTA — Donald LaMarque, 88, of Augusta, passed away at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, April 8, 2011.

Donald was born on a houseboat on Lake George, N.Y., on July 9, 1922. His parents were Francis Xavier LaMarque and Anna Desjardon LaMarque.

He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy for nearly four years in active combat in the South Pacific and was awarded two purple hearts. Before joining the Navy, he worked as a forest fire fighter in the three C’s, was a short order cook and a chauffeur. He retired from Boise Paper Co. in Rumford.

Donald was a nature lover and a devoted man to his causes. He was very active in the town of Mexico, where he resided most of his adult life. He was a volunteer fire fighter, an ambulance driver, a Knights of Pythias member and a lifetime DAV member.

He was very active in Boy Scout activities and the local 4-H group. Other activities included motorcycle riding, woodworking and welding. He was not afraid to try new things and loved an adventure and travelling. He will always be remembered for his kindness to and love for animals. He dearly loved his dog, Shiloh, and his many cats.

He is survived by his six children and their families, Marlene G. Martin of Winslow, Donald F. and his wife, Lynn LaMarque, of Virginia, Kaye and her husband, Larry Currier, of Brunswick, Gary and his wife, Ginny LaMarque, of Idaho, Crystal J. Williams of New Gloucester, and David and his wife, Brenda LaMarque, of Rumford; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by several brothers and one sister, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Glenys Eugenie Richmond LaMarque; his parents; and several of his brothers and a sister.

A very special thanks to Lisa, Janet and all the staff at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta who took such loving care of Donald. Also a special thank you to Health Reach and the hospice team.