Rene L. Lavoie Jr.

LEWISTON – Rene L. Lavoie Jr., 81, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2023, at Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Born in Colebrook, N.H. on May 7, 1941, he was the son of Rene and Madeline Lavoie. He was a graduate of Edward Little High School class of 1961 where he was a part of the wrestling team.

Rene served in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in the Korean Demilitarized Zone during a 13-month hardship tour of duty, after which he relocated to Ft. Bragg, N.C.

He married the former, Marie Gagnon, of Auburn, before leaving for his tour of duty in Korea. They were married for 59 years.

Lt. Rene Lavoie was a 37-year veteran of the Auburn Police Department. He graduated from MMA Basic Law Enforcement at Portland Police Dept., Smith & Wesson Armorer School, the SIG-Sauer and Glock Armorer School. Over his time with the APD, he was a shift commander and led the Firearms Instruction Program & Armory for 25 years. He was also a certified Maine hunter safety instructor.

Rene worked as a sales representative in the Hunting and Fishing Store at L.L.Bean in Freeport. He really enjoyed his job and was always eager to help and share his profound knowledge with customers.

Rene was a lifelong outdoorsman; after he retired in 2003, he spent most of his time outside. He enjoyed any chance he had to be in the woods hunting or on the water fishing. Whether it was with his family or good friends, he was never happier than when he was tramping through the woods.

Rene was a game hunter and traveled all over North America to hunt and fish. He fished Alaska for many years in the Ketchikan and Anchorage region and the Tongass National Forest. As a guide for North of North Artic Sports, he guided caribou, bear, and ptarmigan hunters, as well as brook and lake trout fisherman, across Northern Quebec. Labrador was one of Rene’s favorite destinations, especially if it involved a trip to Eagle River, Osprey Lake, Black Fly Lake, or his 2022 trip to Igloo Lake Lodge. During his younger days, which involved many hunting ventures with family and friends, special memories were formed with his nephew, Scott, and his great-nephew, Isaac, teaching them the safety and enjoyment of hunting and fishing. Rene also enjoyed countless hunting and fishing adventures with Tom Roth, many of which include stories that have been, and will continue to be, shared at family functions.

Rene and Marie traveled extensively and went on many amazing adventures; from helicopter rides down into the Grand Canyon, to taking the Midnight Sun Express across Alaska, attending the Indy 500, and going on an African Safari, which went to Kenya, Tanzania, and the Serengeti Plains for the great migration. During their travels, Rene was able to fish at Lake Victoria, one of the African Great Lakes, where he caught a 37-pound Nile Perch. Their favorite destination was Yellowstone National Park.

Rene is survived by his wife, Marie Lavoie. He will forever be cherished and remembered by his extended family, his sister-in-law, Diane Vreeland, sister-in-law, Elaine Dumont (Paul), and brother-in-law, Robert W. Gagnon Jr. (Constance).

He also lives on through his nieces and nephews Rhonda Dumont Bates, Carol Vreeland Null (Jake), Kimberly Gagnon Jalbert (Greg), Scott Dumont, John Vreeland, Eric Gagnon (Colleen); as well as his great-nieces and nephews Abigayle Bates, Gavin Bates, Silas Dumont, Isabelle Jalbert, Isaac Jalbert, Lily Gagnon, Hannah Gagnon; his cousins Patricia Sirois, Marie McHale, and Hazel Daley; best friend, Tom Roth, and many of his friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws Robert and Christine Gagnon; his brother-in-law, Roy Vreeland, and Alison Dumont.

His family is extremely grateful for the compassionate care provided by the team at St. Mary’s Infusion Center and Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at The Fortin Group on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, to assist with all the wonderful work they do, the family suggests donations be made to

Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice,

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240