Normand Mario Gagnon

AUBURN – Normand Mario Gagnon, 82, was Raised in Sainte Felicite, Quebec, and immigrated to Rumford, Maine, where he became an American citizen and raised his family. During his retirement, he spent time between Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Lewiston, Maine. He passed away peacefully at Androscoggin Hospice House from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Normand will be remembered for his incredible talent as a Master French-Canadian accordionist. Self-taught since the age of eight, he would entertain in lumber camps, family functions, and Franco festivals and taught his musical talents through the Maine Arts Commission apprenticeship program. Besides being a musician, in his pastime, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sipping Canadian whiskey among family and friends! He enjoyed gardening and became known as “the Pumpkin Man!” In the Fall, his home glowed brightly with pumpkins and other crops.

Normand led a remarkable life. He pursued his dreams and lived with great fulfillment, had a talent for finding the silver lining in every situation, and his infectious smile had the power to brighten anyone’s spirit. May he find eternal peace, his legacy living on through the melodies he played and the hearts he touched.

To read a full obituary online, please visit http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

The family tribute service will be held Thursday, October 5, from 4-7 p.m. at The Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn. A Catholic Funeral will be held on Friday, October 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Basilica in Lewiston, followed by a reception and light refreshments at the Basilica.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner Street Auburn, Maine 04210, (207) 783-8545

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org, in honor of Normand Gagnon.