AUBURN — Daniel L. Lajoie, 60, of Lewiston, passed away on July 14, very quickly, less than 72 hours after his almost four year battle with cancer had failed.

Dan was born in Lewiston, Feb. 4, 1952, the first son of Laurent and Rejane Vachon Lajoie.

He was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1970.

He had planned to join the military after high school, but was denied because of a heart murmur, so he went to work for a year to save up money for college.

In the fall of 1971, he started college at the University of Maine in Orono. Halfway through his second year, he had to have open heart surgery.

Dan never went back to school at the UMO after recovering from his surgery, but went on to work different jobs and experiences before becoming a Precision Machinist at Philips Elmet (now Elmet Technologies.) He retired after 27 years on March 31, of this year. It was very gratifying for him to achieve the grade nine level. He enjoyed his job working on the water jet, and the many skilled machinists that he worked with. It was very hard for him to leave his job there.

The greatest fulfillment and joy of his life, though, started in 1978, when he met his soulmate, best friend, and wife, Karen (Kons.)

There is no greater love, happiness, and respect that they showed for each other, and he will be severely missed.

Along with his wife and parents, he leaves behind two brothers, Gerry and his wife, Elaine, of Sabattus and Paul and his wife, Paula, of Lewiston; one sister, Carol Ann Parker and her husband, Steve, of Tennessee; three brothers-in-law, Micheal Kons of Lewiston, Stephen Kons of Farmington and Jeffrey Kons and his, fiancée, Debbie Gogan, of Lewiston; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and the many charities that he donated to throughout the years.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Pandey and his staff at St. Mary’s Hospital

Online condolences and photo gallery may be shared atwww.thefortingroupauburncom.