AUGUSTA — Roland A. Gagnon, 85, of Bowdoin, passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.

He was born on June 21, 1927, a son of Sylvain and Rose (St. Hilaire) Gagnon. He grew up in the Lewiston area and attended Lewiston schools. On Sept. 11, 1948, he married his wife, Doris Nelson. She passed away on Jan. 5, 2001.

Roland drove trucks for Capitol Motors and Spector Freight for 26 years. He will be remembered for being an avid hunter and fisherman. He liked going to casinos, taking long drives, telling stories and snowmobiling. He also loved his pet groundhogs. Roland was a past commander and life member of the American Legion, POST 158, a life member of VFW POST 9459, a charter and life member as well as a past secretary of the Left Hand Club and a life member of the Pastime Club in Lewiston. Roland was proud to be a plank owner on the USS Saint Paul and served as a gunners mate. This vessel fired the last salvo of World War II.

Roland is survived by his four children; Nelson Gagnon and his wife, Lisa of Lisbon, Rodney Gagnon and his wife, Suzanne of Sabattus, Sally A. Hewett and her husband, Howard of Bowdoin, Kimberly A. Totten and her husband, Brad of Bowdoin; a daughter-in-law, Marcia Gagnon of Meredith, N.H.; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Roland was predeceased by his wife, Doris; two sisters, Alda St. Hilaire and Doris Gagnon; four brothers, Robert, Lionel, Maurice and Elmo; two children, Francis and Michael; and a granddaughter, Kelsey.

The family wishes to send a special thank-you to the C Company at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta. Online condolences may be shared in Roland’s memory at www.crosmanfunearlhome.com.