2015

AUBURN — Normand R. Gagnon, 79, of Auburn, passed away, Sunday, March 22, after a long battle with cancer at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

Norm was born and raised in Lewiston, the son of Romeo and Jeannette Dumais Gagnon, an only child. He graduated from St. Dominic High School in 1953 at 17 and joined the Air Force, serving from 1953 to 1957.

On Aug. 26, 1961, he married the love of his life and his wife of 53 years, Joan Derosier Gagnon. Together, they raised their daughter, Susan, in Auburn.

After serving in the Air Force, he worked at National Biscuit Co. for 10 years, then worked at Knapp Shoe as their leather inspector (quality control), working a second job as a mutual employee at the Lewiston Raceway and the Fairgrounds. After leaving Knapp Shoe, he went to work for the Auburn School Department as a custodian and school bus driver.

He and his wife traveled to many parts of Canada, including Prince Edward Island, but his favorite trips were to the Pocono Mountains with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, and taking boat rides in Boothbay Harbor.

He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 153 and was in a bowling league at Sparetime Recreation for many years.

He loved to play cribbage and computer games, with his cat, Buddy, lying next to him, watching. A big part of his time was spent spoiling his grandchildren when when they were growing up. Normand loved to go out to eat and going to Foxwoods Casino and LYAF Bingo. He also loved watching Red Sox and Patriots games.

Norm was easygoing, and liked by everyone he met. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes that made people laugh.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years; his daughter, Susan and her husband, Kevin Jamison, of Turner; his granddaughter, Danielle Jamison of Turner; his grandson, Jonathan Jamison and his wife, Madison, of Lovell, Ma.; faithful dog, Ginger; and his cat, Buddy. The family is expecting his first great-grandchild, a girl, in May.

He was predeceased by his parents.

“God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, as he put his arms around you and whispered ‘Come with me.’ With tear-filled eyes, we watched as you suffered and faded away, although we loved you deeply, we could not will you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to show us ‘He only takes the best.’

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his nurse, Bobbie Hill, and to everyone at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, who gave such good and tender, loving care during last few days of his life.

Donations, condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.