1930 – 2015

AUBURN — Raymond L. Gagne, 84, of Lane Road in Greene, died Monday, Aug. 17, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

He was born in Lewiston on Dec. 26, 1930, a son of the late Wilda and Elise Weiriot Gagne. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Blier Gagne, on Aug. 5, 1950, and they started a family and raised their six children.

His working career started with over 30 years at Marriner Lumber in Brunswick, and he later built homes with James Potvin near Orrs Island for a few years. Raymond started his own business building homes as Raymond L. Gagne, Contractor for a few years. For the next 20-plus years, he delivered bundled papers and mail for the Sun Journal, followed by his retirement.

Ray was a very active member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Sabattus, where he was a Eucharistic minister and the sacristan for many years. He was a member of the Dominican Sisters Association, and he volunteered many hours of work for the Dominican Sisters at their convent. Ray was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Some of his life’s passions included using his John Deere while working in the woods, his sawmill, wood-working (finished carpentry) and tending to his crows. Ray was noted for his arm-wrestling, especially with his brother, John. He enjoyed travel, following his children in their journeys and building or helping to build their homes.

Ray often spoke of his trip to Rome, where he was able to see the Pope. He especially enjoyed his trips to casinos all over the country and would bring home belt buckles to enrich his collection. Ray enjoyed family nearby, and was always ready to offer a hot cup of coffee.

He leaves his four sons, Eugene Gagne and his wife, Monique, of Greene, Arthur Gagne and his wife, Marcia, of Greene, Michael Gagne and his wife, Sue, of Berwick, and Joseph Gagne of New Hampshire; his two daughters, Anita Marston of Turner, and Theresa Fortin and her husband, Alan, of Pennsylvania; one brother, John Gagne and wife, Jean, of Greene; two sisters, Lorraine Dinardo of New Hampshire, and Veronica Thibault and her husband, Emile, of Lewiston; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife; his parents; his brothers, Guy, Bert, Richard and Guston; his son-in-law, Russell Marston; his granddaughter, Kristin Gagne; and his brother-in-law, Albert Dinardo.

Ray is loved and will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Online condolences and photo gallery at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.