Norman J.F. Marquis

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Norman J.F. Marquis, 78, of Old Orchard Beach, died at home July 15 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 23, 1938, the son of Normand and Jeannette Poudrier Marquis, who were of French Canadian heritage. He attended Lewiston schools, including Lewiston High School. On March 1, 1958, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in both the United States and Morocco in North Africa. After leaving the Air Force, he entered Bradley University’s School of Engraving in Illinois. Upon graduation, he opened Jr’s Pro Shop in Lewiston, which later became Maine Awards.

His life and interests were very diversified, from owning a laundry in Livermore Falls to being elected a member of the 104th Maine Legislature serving from January 1969 to January 1971. Being a political animal, he enjoyed the local government atmosphere and served on planning and zoning boards, eventually joining the Lewiston Assessing Department and taking the test to become a certified Maine assessor in the mid-1970s. He worked for both Lewiston and Auburn as an assessor for several years, eventually moving to Old Orchard Beach, where he became the deputy assessor, and in March 1988, he moved to the chief assessor position. He then changed careers and became town manager of Old Orchard Beach in January 1997, retiring after nearly two years of service. He and his wife, Eunice, owned and operated Coastal Awards, a large sports award shop in Biddeford until it was destroyed by fire in November 2006. They eventually purchased a small motel complex called the Crosswinds Motel & Cottages in March 2000, owning, operating and improving the property, making it into an enjoyable vacation spot for visitors as well as friends. On May 27, 1988, he married his best friend and business partner, Eunice Channell Brooks. They enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and Old Quebec City on vacation and took many trips together over the years. Norman spoke both French and English and often functioned as a translator for our French guests. For many years, he and Eunice were loyal customers of Mulligan’s Bar & Grill in Biddeford, eating there every evening. Norman had a great sense of humor and very quick wit entertaining all who were near him. He had a heart of gold and did not hesitate to offer help to anyone who needed it. He was the consummate volunteer for any fundraiser and worked on many causes.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice, of 29 years; a daughter, Jacqueline Smith and her husband, Brian, of Brunswick; a son, David of Lewiston; a son, Peter of Old Orchard Beach; a stepdaughter, Heather Brown and her husband, Bill, of Ipswich Mass.; a stepson, James Brooks of Old Orchard Beach; a daughter-in-law, Gina Brooks of Wales; a goddaughter, Kelley Williams of California; nine grandchildren, Amanda Marquis, Nichole Marquis, A.J. Norzow, Norman Norzow, Danial Norzow, September Brooks, Tristan Brooks, Noah Marquis and Gabrielle Marquis; and one great-grandchild, Douglas Mcintosh III.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Jeanne Marquis Nicholson; stepson, Scott Brooks; and grandson, Joshua Marquis.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Norman J.F. Marquis, 78, of Old Orchard Beach, died at home on July 15, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born in Lewiston on October 23, 1938, the son of Normand and Jeannette Poudrier Marquis, who were of French-Canadian heritage. He attended Lewiston schools, including Lewiston High School. On March 1, 1958, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in both the United States and Morocco in North Africa. After leaving the Air Force, he entered Bradley University’s School of Engraving in Illinois. Upon graduation, he opened Jr’s Pro Shop in Lewiston, which later became Maine Awards.

His life and interests were very diversified, from owning a laundry in Livermore Falls to being elected a member of the 104th Maine State Legislature serving from January 1969 to January 1971. Being a political animal, he enjoyed the local government atmosphere and served on planning and zoning boards eventually joining the Lewiston Assessing Dept. and taking the test to become a certified Maine assessor in the mid-70s. He worked for both Lewiston and Auburn as an assessor for several years, eventually moving to Old Orchard Beach, where he became the deputy assessor, and in March 1988, he moved to the chief assessor position. He then changed careers and became town manager of Old Orchard Beach in January 1997, retiring after nearly two years of service. He and his wife, Eunice, owned and operated Coastal Awards, a large sports award shop in Biddeford until it was destroyed by fire in November 2006. They eventually purchased a small motel complex called the Crosswinds Motel & Cottages in March 2000, owning, operating and improving the property, making it into an enjoyable vacation spot for visitors as well as friends. On May 27, 1988, he married his best friend and business partner, Eunice Channell Brooks. They enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and Old Quebec City on vacation and took many trips together over the years. Norman spoke both French and English and often functioned as a translator for our French guests. For many years, he and Eunice were loyal customers of Mulligan’s Bar & Grill in Biddeford, eating there every evening. Norman had a great sense of humor and very quick wit entertaining all who were near him. He had a heart of gold and did not hesitate to offer help to anyone who needed it. He was the consummate volunteer for any fundraiser and worked on many causes.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Jeanne Marquis Nicholson; stepson, Scott Brooks; and grandson, Joshua Marquis.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.

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