1945 – 2014

AUBURN — Leon Calixte Grenier passed away, surrounded in love, quietly and peacefully, at Bolster Heights Health Care Facility on Thursday, Jan. 9.

He was born on Nov. 17, 1945, in Lewiston, the oldest of six children to Calixte and Cecile (Morency) Grenier. A graduate of St. Dominic’s High School in 1964, he went to Central Maine Technical College for a short while, after which he joined the Navy. After boot camp, he went to electronic school in the Navy, where he graduated at the top of his class. He served as a flight electrician, working on jet planes, in Alburquerque, N.M.

Leon was a very inquisitive child and he liked to spend time finding answers to what he wondered about. As a young boy, he had the ability to take a radio apart, fix it and then put it back together again. Leon went through life his own way, marching to his very own beat of his drummer. He loved his life, playing it exactly as he wanted … . by the seat of his pants! He was a man of faith, never questioning God as to why life turned out as it did, accepting whatever came along from day to day. Leon was a very unique, intelligent individual, although having many obstacles in life. Throughout his life, he had many ups and downs; but Leon had a strong heart and an extraordinary will to live. Throughout his life, he was never afraid or bothered as to what people thought of him, living most days enthusiastically and always on his own terms. Leon had a very BIG personality and was colorful in his very own, unique way.

Developing many friendships along the way, he spent many days with his many friends at the 12 Hour Club in Lewiston, with whom he enjoyed playing cards, his favorite games being cribbage and pinochle. Leon was well loved by the staff of Bolster Heights Health Care facility, where he was a resident for the last five years. There, the staff considered him delightful. Leon always told his family, friends and staff how content he was at Bolster, always calling it his home.

The family wishes to give thanks to the many people who cared for Leon, Laurier Raymond, Esq., his Conservator; his friends at the 12 Hour Club; and, especially wishes to thank Leon’s other family, those at Bolster Heights. There, he was lovingly, cheerfully and respectfully nourished with wonderful, unconditional love.

He is survived by two brothers, Willie Grenier (and wife, Janice) of Waterville; Michael Grenier (and partner, Michael Myrick) of South Paris; two sisters, Cecilia (Grenier) Courtemanche; Marie (Grenier) Marquis (and husband, Gaetan), both of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Calixte and Cecile (Morency) Grenier; brother, Andre Grenier; and two brothers-in-law, Denis Courtemanche and Paul Boulanger.

Lastly, and most importantly, Leon C. Grenier leaves behind his very colorful, unique life here on earth, at last living the best adventure of his life — a wonderful new life of peace, surrounded with God’s perfect love. Be at peace, Leon!