AUBURN — Louis O’Neil Beaulieu of 948 Sabattus St., Lewiston, passed away on Jan. 13, after being comforted by family during his final days.

He was born Dec. 10, 1928, to French-Canadian immigrants, Euphemie Cyr-Beaulieu and Belonie Beaulieu.

Over the years, he was employed at Atherton’s Furniture, Hillcrest Foods, various construction companies, Lewiston Recreation Department, Infab and Lewiston Social Club, before his retirement from Downeast Cabinetry in 2001. He had a lifelong love of country music and could oftentimes be found tinkering in his woodworking shop as well.

“Papa” Louis will always be known for his unequalled work ethic, fierce defense of family, eager willingness to help a friend, the soft spot he reserved in his heart for animals and an enormous pride he had for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a man who possessed a hilariously mischievous sense of humor; family and friends will have no difficulty remembering him with a giggle in their hearts and wry smiles on their faces.

He was a devoted sports fan whose favorite teams included the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and a lifelong boxing fan, who was quick to take on any aggressor who dared slight him or his family. He was also a formidable bumper pool player who won many local tournaments.

But most of all, he was an unrivaled father who always did his best with the cards he was dealt. He will be the strength of his family in death as he was in life and they will always face any difficulties with smiles on their faces as they were taught; thanks to “Papa Louis.”

He was the last surviving member of five siblings; his three brothers, Lawrence “Skip” Beaulieu, Valier Beaulieu and Amedee Beaulieu and his two sisters, Aurore Lepage and Cecile Dumond.

He leaves behind his three sons, Louis Beaulieu Jr. and his wife, Diane Bourdreau-Beaulieu, of Auburn and John Beaulieu and James Beaulieu of Lewiston; and will finally get to meet his youngest son, Michael in heaven; he leaves four grandchildren, Karen Beaulieu-Clarke and her husband, James Clarke, of Oxford, Jazzmine Beaulieu and her companion, Will Lopez, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kylee Silva of Boston, Mass., and Amber Lecomte of Lewiston; three great-grandchildren, Justice Dailey and Chase Clarke of Oxford and “Billie” Lopez of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his sisters-in-law, Yvonne Patenaude and her husband, David, of Augusta, Theresa Noonan and Pauline Prevost, of Lewiston; and he was also a terrific uncle, who will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Jeannette Prevost-Beaulieu, who was taken by diabetes in 1996.

His family would like to extend sincere thanks to Rebekah Odd Fellows Home in Auburn as they had grown to love him as well.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Beaulieu family by visiting thier guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.