AUBURN — Marcel Arthur Lafrance passed peacefully from this Earth on Tuesday, March 7, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.

Marcel was the loving son of Emile Lafrance and Alice Paradis Lafrance. Born on Jan. 8, 1935, Marcel was a lifelong resident of Lewiston. Marcel worked as a shoe worker. He was an avid fisherman who found great joy fishing on the beautiful lakes of Maine.

His survivors include his beloved and devoted wife of 59 years, Claudette Belanger Lafrance. His loving children are son, Richard Lafrance of Lewiston; daughter, Carol Lafrance of Auburn; son, Ronald Lafrance and his wife, Jacqueline of Washington, N.J.; and son, David Lafrance and his wife, Karen, of Greene. His adoring grandchildren are Heather, Trevor, Joshua, Luke and Amber Lafrance. Marcel has one nephew, Paul Lafrance, and one niece, Susan Blouin.

His brother, Lucien Lafrance, predeceased him.

The Lafrance family wishes to thank Marcel’s close friend, Bob Oliver, for being such a great help to Marcel, especially during his final months. They also wish to thank Russell Park Nursing Home in Lewiston for providing Marcel with a warm and caring environment and the Androscoggin Hospice House of Auburn for giving Marcel such beautiful comfort and peace during his last days.

Dad always knew where the biggest fish were and always gave the greatest advice, teaching us how to be the best at fishing. Dad took great pride watching us with his grandchildren fishing on the lake during summer vacations with him. Although we will miss so much about him, our summers with Dad on the lake were very special to us. We will forever think of him waiting for our fishing stories on the shore. We find comfort knowing that Dad will always be watching over all of us from the shores in heaven.

Marcel loved to travel and eat at his favorite restaurants. His preferred destination was “Karen’s Kitchen,” fondly referring to his daughter-in-law’s home. Here he enjoyed spending time with his family for many meals, from Thanksgiving dinners to backyard barbecues. After eating, he often challenged others to a game of cribbage.

Marcel had a special relationship with his in-laws, Bob and Sandy Oliver. Marcel appreciated the time Bob spent taking him to doctor’s appointments and hospitals. Bob was a soothing companion through many difficult days.