1930 – 2015

AUBURN — Rene M. Plourde Sr., 84, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at his home with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on July 19, 1930, the son of Luc and Alice (Thibault) Plourde. Rene attended local schools in Auburn.

After he entered the U.S. Navy to serve his country for four years, serving in Korea, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Brooks, on April 4, 1952.

Rene was a 25-year veteran of the Auburn Police Department, choosing to serve his city that he loved so much. After his retirement in 1979, he worked for 10 more years at Bath Iron Works in the security department until his final retirement.

Rene was a dedicated member of American Legion Post 153, which he proudly let many people know with his favorite Post 153 hat. He loved to fish and hunt when he had the opportunity and enjoyed gardening at his home in Auburn. He would spend time at his camp working on projects both big and small. Most of all, he was a loving, caring protector of his family, making sure that they knew they were loved and cherished.

He is survived by two daughters, Pamala and her husband, Thomas Despain, of Auburn, and Elaine and her husband, Gilbert Rivard, of Minot; two sons, Rene Jr. and his wife, Betsy Norcross Plourde, of Auburn, and Paul and his wife, Carleen Plourde, of Florida; a sister, Rita and her husband, Gil Menard, of Conn.; five grandchildren, Christina Cifelli, Seth Rivard, Brittany and Jacob Plourde and Jarod Norcross Plourde; and one great-grandchild, Sienna Cifelli.

He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Robert and Fern Plourde.

Rene’s family and friends would like to especially thank the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for its compassionate care and two special aunts, Donna Scalia and Ruth Brown, because without them none of it would have been possible.

You may offer condolences and view Rene’s video at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.