LEWISTON — Oliva Laurent Bussiere “OJ,” of Lewiston, passed away Sunday, Sept. 3, surrounded by loved ones after a long illness that took his life but not his love of living. He was fun, a jokester, and had a zest for enjoying the moment.

OJ was born Dec. 11, 1929, to Oliva J. and Yvonne (Berube) Bussiere in Lewiston. His life included seeing the world as he spent 22 years in the Navy. He eventually came back to the Lewiston area to raise his family.

His Navy experience included both the Korean and Vietnam wars and he was proud of his service to his country. Once back in Lewiston, OJ worked as a boiler operator at Pineland Hospital, construction laborer, and ran his own “OJ’s Dogs” hot dog stand. Many knew him as the Hot Dog man.

As a life member of the VFW and American Legion, he was very supportive of veterans and current members of the military. Other hobbies included being an avid hunter, storyteller, garage sales explorer, and taking flying lessons. For fun, he loved to dance! He would swing dance to music from the ’50s and ’60s.

OJ is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine “Patty” Grant Bussiere, sister Connie Bouchles and husband Charles (Arizona), daughters Debra Decker and her husband Chris (Turner), Kelly Johnson and her husband Eric (Readfield), and son Richard (Lewiston); grandchildren Owen, Corey, Travis, Courtney, Michelle and Cheryl as well as many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by both of his parents, Oliva and Yvonne Bussiere, stepson Earl Tibbets, and sisters Germaine Gilbert and Doris Donnell.

We want to thank the wonderful staff at Woodlands Memory Care and Dr. Kenneth Brodsky as well as Dr. Reilly and nurse Andrea at St. Mary’s Emergency. The compassion and care they showed for OJ and all of our family was much appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

Oliva Laurent Bussiere

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