LEWISTON — Attorney and Androscoggin County Judge of Probate Robert L.Couturier, 70, of Lewiston passed away peacefully with his family at his side Sunday, June 5, after a short illness.

He was born in Lewiston, July 11, 1940, the eldest of six children of Lorenzo R. Couturier and Germaine Therriault. Attorney Couturier attended St. Peter’s Grammar School, St. Dominic High School, where he wrote a weekly French column entitled “L’Étudiant” for the local French newspaper “Le Messager” and earned a bachelor of arts degree majoring in government from Bates College in 1963. In 1970, he was awarded a “Juris Doctor” degree from the University of Maine School of Law.

In 1966, he married Rose I. Bélanger, who passed away in 1995. He later married Monique Y. St. Hilaire.

After graduating from Bates College, he taught for four years at St. Peter’s Grammar School and during that same time period, he took a great interest in local politics. He was elected Alderman of Ward Five in Lewiston in 1964, and went on to become Lewiston’s and the Nation’s youngest Mayor in 1965 to 1966. In addition, he was elected to the State Senate in 1967. He also served as Lewiston Police Commissioner for more than a decade.

Since 1970, he has been a member of the bar and practicing attorney in Lewiston and was serving his third term as Androscoggin County Judge of Probate.

In 1984, La Survivance Française paid tribute to its only honorary member, Robert, for designing the Franco-American flag which had been officially adopted in 1983 to represent all Franco-Americans of New England and New York. For many years, he served as General Counsel for “L’Association Canado-Américaine” in Manchester, N.H. In 1988, he was elected its Secretary General. Attorney Couturier was a member of “Le Conseil de la Vie française en Amérique” of Québec City for a quarter century and served on its board. He was awarded the “Ordre des Francophones d’Amérique” by the Québec Government on July 3, 1989, for his exceptional contribution to the French language and culture in North America.

In addition, he was recognized by the Government of France by being named “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” on May 25, 2000. Moreover, he enjoyed being a guest columnist for the local French language newspaper “L’Unité Franco-Américaine.” For 15 years, Robert conducted a weekly French language musical program called “Festival” on radio stations WCOU and WPNO. He started a business with his close friend, Robert Langlais, selling French records at Blanche Turcotte Jacques Candyland. He also ventured into tape recordings and called his company “Radio Transcription.” He even produced a 33 1/3 record of “Les Petits Chanteurs de Lewiston” with the assistance of Robert Langlais and Gérald Lachapelle. He loved to travel to New York City with his wife, Monique to attend Broadway musicals and plays.

Attorney Couturier had a great love for the French language. He was very generous and, most of all, extremely helpful to the Franco-Americans and especially the elderly. He will be sadly missed.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Monique; father-in-law, Fernand and wife, Lorraine St. Hilaire; her sister, Anita and husband, John Stone; stepson, Gerald Touchette and wife, Kristi, daughter and special granddaughter, Avie; stepson, Denis; his devoted sister, Janine and husband, Donald Kenney and children, Francine, Angélique, and Chantal; brother, Ronald and wife, Aliette; brother, Roger and wife, Lucille and children Jean, André and Marc; brother, Mario and wife, Bibianne and children, Gisèle and Paul; brother, Daniel and wife, Tammy; brother-in-law, Marcel and wife, Lucille Bélanger and children, Susan, Marc, Diane, Thérèse, Denise, Sandra and Jean; the late brother-in-law, Renald’s children, Richard, Paul and Elaine; sister-in-law, Sylvia and husband, Robert Langlais and children, Rachel and Louise; sister-in-law, Monita and husband, Roland Cote and daughter, Amy.

A heartful thank-you to Dr. Darleen Miller for her love and dedication during Robert’s illness. She made him feel comfortable and cared for. Doctors like her are one in a million!

A most appreciative thank-you to Ron Ouellette of Ouellette’s Adult Foster Home for his professionalism, great care and compassion during his daily visits; he gave Robert a sense of peace and calmness. His friendship is greatly appreciated.

A special thank-you to Roger Martel for his daily “care” visits. Robert looked forward not only to the excellent care given, but also to conversations and reminiscings. He always made him feel at ease.

Thank-you to Kathleen of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for her expertise, and especially for her great smile and reassurance.

Condolences and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.