1920 – 2015

AUBURN — Rene Michaud, 94, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, July 25, at Clover Manor in Auburn.

He was born in Auburn on Dec. 14, 1920, the son of the late Aime and Julia (Lemay) Michaud. He attended schools in Auburn and West Rumney, N.H. On December 4,1943, Rene married Rita Bolduc before going overseas with an Army tour of duty. He served during World War II in the European theater. Rene achieved the rank of T5 and was awarded a Purple Heart.

After his tour of duty he worked for several years at his father’s sawmill. In the 1950s he became manager and lead mechanic of Lemay’s Outdoor Products for 30 years until the business was sold. Until his retirement, he worked for various other businesses including Hanal Brothers, Schott’s Motorcycles and Pioneer Plastics.

On Nov. 19, 2010, Rene was awarded the distinctive Legion D’honneur award by the French government for his heroic efforts to liberate France in World War II. A French consulate presented this award to him at a ceremony held at the Military Museum in South Portland.

Rene will always be remembered for his ingenious mind, having created numerous inventions. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Rita; his children, Richard and his wife, Ruth, Raymond and his wife, Carole, and Rachel and her husband, Joe. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.