Raymond Legendre

POLAND – Mr. Legendre was born and raised in New Auburn attended local schools and was a 1941 graduate of Edward Little High School.

Throughout his growing years, he and his two brothers worked at the Enterprise Foundry in Lewiston that was founded by their father, Cyrille Legendre. He remained at the foundry as vice president in charge of production and later president and owner, working at the foundry for 80 years, even after he was semi-retired. He was a committed problem solver always striving to provide his customers with quality castings. He was proud that as a young teenager he assisted his father with making the brass heating grates in the walls of the St Peters Basilica. He was very committed to his employees and frequently referred to them as his “Enterprise Family”.

In 1942, at the age of 19, he considered joining the Navy to take advantage of a foundry program being offered but was eventually allowed a war time deferment to help his father run the business while his two brothers joined the military.

He was a member of Holy Cross parish. He joined the Kiwanis Club in the late ’50s and was a life time member of Martindale Country Club for several years. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his summer cottage on Thompson Lake, often calling it his “little piece of heaven.”

In 1945, he met Beatrice Paradis on a blind date for a picnic at the lake. She was studying as a student nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. Together they raised three daughters in Lewiston.

In 1990, his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and he lovingly cared for her at their home for 15 years until her death in 2004. They had been married for nearly 60 years and he visited her grave every day, always being sure there was a fresh rose in place on each visit. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend to all who knew him. His sense of humor was a well-known trait but he will be remembered most through his loving commitment and dedication to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Family members include Anita Ferland and her husband Lionel, Suzanne Johnson and her husband Kenneth, Elaine Burr and her husband Greg; grandchildren are Robert Ferland, Tim Johnson and his wife Amanda, Emily Watson and her husband John, Meghan Jones and her husband Brian. He also has six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Legendre was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Legendre; his brothers Norman and John P. Legendre and his wife Lorraine and brother-in-law, Francis Patry and wife Thelma.

Special thanks to the Helping Hands agency and the dedicated staff who provided around the clock care enabling him to remain in the comfort of his home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/donate or mail checks to

Alzheimer’s Association,

P.O. Box 96011,

Washington, DC 20090-6011