AUBURN — Roger Baril, a successful local businessman and proud and gentle family man died Nov. 21, at the Hospice House. In September, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer that was already beyond treatment. He faced this surprise with the same quiet bravery and dignity with which he lived his entire life. The family will miss his knowledge, spirit, advice, humor and his teasing.

He was born in Lewiston, March 16, 1927, the youngest son of Omer and Marie Louise Cote Baril. He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish/Sacred Heart Church, Auburn.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18 to serve in World War II before he could finish high school. After 18 weeks of basic and firearms training, he was deployed to Italy. By the age of 19, he already exuded the traits that would make him successful throughout his life and quickly rose to chief clerk as an enlisted man in the office of the Inspector General. With the dropping of the atomic bomb and the end of the war, he returned home to finish school and graduated from Lewiston High School as part of the class of 1947. He furthered his education by attending night classes for several years at Auburn Maine School of Commerce and Bliss College.

On July 23, 1955, he married Lorraine Vachon. His brothers built quite a few of the homes in the Montello street area including the house where he and his newlywed wife lived together the rest of his life. A lifelong gardener and flower enthusiast, the home became a showcase and was recognized with a Project Pride Yard Award presented by the City of Lewiston in 2002. It became known as “the house with the flowers on Montello Street” and people from miles away would travel to view the spectacular floral display.

He served as an alderman for the City of Lewiston during 1955 and 1956. In 1968, he established the family business Overhead Door Co. which later became International Door Corp. in the Lewiston Industrial Park until his retirement in 1993.

Roger and Lorraine traveled extensively and went on many amazing adventures from helicopter rides down into the Grand Canyon, whitewater rafting on the Amazon River, walking on glaciers and stepping on the North Pole. His favorite destination was Quebec City, Quebec.

He instilled common sense, fairness, humility, a strong work ethic and appreciation in his two sons, Paul and John. His Christmas tradition of eating an orange to remember growing up with so little will continue in his memory. He loved nature and animals and provided a nurturing home for his family and their pet cats.

Following his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at Wallace, Farwell and Pettengill schools in the kindergarten and sixth grade classes. He would bring in his military uniform and give history lessons on World War II. He gave kids a lesson in reasons not to smoke and get tattoos, and to build up assets for their financial well-being. He also served as a chaperone on field trips. Roger was selfless and really enjoyed making a positive impact on others. An impressive life with lots of shared happiness!

Roger is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lorraine; two sons, Paul O. Baril and his wife, Nina, of Lewiston and John R. Baril of La Jolla, Calif.; his three grandsons, Jason and wife, Meredith and David of Lewiston, and Thomas of Nashua N.H.; and a sister-in-law, Ethel Baril of Santa Clarita, Calif.

He was also predeceased by his sister, Jeanne Leclair; and his three brothers, Wilfred, Conrad and Lionel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.