AUBURN — William R. (Rick) Gayton Jr. of Sabattus passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Hospice House in Auburn surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 3, 1959, a son of William and Beverly Katula Gayton Sr. Rick grew up and was educated in the Lisbon Falls schools. He worked for 39 years in construction and was a very proud heavy equipment operator. Rick was a perfectionist at his job and loved working on the excavator with his dog, Arizona. His favorite hobby was fishing of all sorts; he was especially an avid smelt fisherman. He enjoyed animals, camping and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his mother, Bev Katula Lombard; his partner, Rachel Knight; daughters, Angela, Stephanie, Melissa and Chantel; sisters, Rhonda and husband, Scott Farrell; Lisa Goddard and partner, Richard Lowell; Brenda Gayton and partner, Ken Getchell, and Erica and husband, Dean Ouellet; stepmother, Monique Gayton; stepbrothers, Rick and Paul Belanger and stepsister, Elaine Chapman; grandchildren, Skylar, Abigail and Ryan Carson, Stella Santos and Jacobe Dustin.

He is predeceased by his father. 

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