PORTLAND — Raoul J. Forgues, 91, died June 23, at the Barron Center, where he resided the past two years.

He was born Feb. 5, 1922, in New Brunswick, Canada, the son of Marie Ouellette Forgues and Phillippe Forgues, he attended school in Lewiston and was a member of Holy Cross Church for many years, before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in 1981.

Raoul was one of five sons born to Marie and Phillippe Forgues, Lionel, Lucien, Harvey and Fern. He often joked about how strong his mother had to be to raise five sons.

After his service in the Army, he met the “love of his life,” Jacqueline Tardiff and they were married December 1946. They raised their family in Lewiston and moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1981, as he went into semi retirement. While in Florida, he worked in security positions, until he fully retired.

Raoul was a hard worker and often worked numerous jobs at one time. He was a fireman in the Lewiston Fire Department for 33 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. He has many fond memories of those days and loved to talk about his service.

Raoul and Jackie enjoyed living in Ft. Lauderdale, making many friends, joining bowling leagues and participating in the activities in their retirement community.

Raoul and Jackie moved to Westbrook in 2000 due to Jackie’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. During her lengthy illness, Raoul took wonderful care of her and visited her daily once she moved into the Barron Center.

Raoul enjoyed playing cards, listening to music of his era, bowling and working in his vegetable gardens. He loved to watch television and you could often catch him watching the Red Sox, Patriots or a western, his favorite being the Duke, John Wayne. Raoul was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club.

Raoul loved dogs, his last dog being Pepper. He spoiled her and loved her dearly. While in the nursing home, he enjoyed his granddog’s visits. Their visits always brought a smile to him as well as many other residents and staff.

Raoul served in the Army during World War II and often talked about his service in Burma. He was proud to serve our country.

He is survived by his son, Ronald and daughter-in-law, Jeannie, of Bar Mills; his daughter, Nancy Ashton of Madison, Wis.; grandchildren, Danielle Forgues of Bar Mills, Karl Thornton and his wife, Amanda Thornton, of Madison, Wis., Lori Poulin and her husband, Marcus, of Monona, Wis., and Monica Forgues also from Madison, Wis.; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Victoria of Monoca, Wis., and Logan Thornton of Madison, Wis.; his brother, Fern and his wife, Cecile, of Lewiston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many wonderful people who have assisted Raoul in these last few years. The staff at the Barron Center, 3 South is a notch above and the recent assistance from the staff at Maine Medical Center was invaluable. We thank you for your compassion and caring.

You are invited to offer condolencecs and pay tribute to Raoul’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.