SABATTUS — J. Richard Vachon, or Dick, as he was better known, passed away Nov. 11, after a short illness.

He was born in Sabattus on March 18, 1937, the son of Aime and Alma Thibodeau Vachon and resided in that town for a good part of his life. He graduated in the top ten of his class with honors from Lewiston High School in 1955. In 1960 he received his bachelor’s degree in education from Gorham State Teachers College and in 1973 his master’s degree from the University of Maine.

Dick served six summers as a camp counselor at the Androscoggin Boys Camp in Wayne. Over a span of 35 years, he taught fifth grade at several Maine schools, was employed at Donald Bissonnette’s Accounting office, and for the Lewiston Housing Authority; he found his work at Meadowview Park most rewarding.

He was extremely proud of his Franco—Canadian heritage and he demonstrated that by volunteering at the C’est si Bon Festival and the productions of the French plays “Les Cloches de Corniville” and “La Veuve Joyeuse.” He also served as an officer for community concerts.

Survivors include two sisters, Jacqueline LaBrecque and her husband, Richard, and Rita Vachon, all of Sabattus; and his brother, Marc J. Vachon, of Auburn. In addition, he leaves five nieces, one nephew and their families.

He was predeceased by his father, who died at age 54 in 1965; and by his mother, at age 96. It was Dick who was his mother’s primary caregiver for a number of years before her passing in 2008.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CNAs at St. Mary’s Hospital for their care and support.

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