Arthur N. Gouin, Jr.

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Arthur N. Gouin, Jr.

NORWAY — Arthur N. Gouin Jr. passed away Friday, June 29, 2012 at the Maine Veterans' Home in South Paris after a brief stay. He was born at home in Norway on November 1, 1928, the son of Arthur Sr. and Livy McAllister Gouin. He was educated in Norway schools, from the Upper Primary to Norway High, where he graduated in 1946. He served his country as an Electricians Mate in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1949, at Great Lakes, aboard the U.S. Malabar and other posts.

Enrolling in college immediately after his Naval service, he graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1953 and earned his Masters of Education in 1962. He married the former Joyce Grover on June 23, 1956. They had 51 years of love and respect until her passing in 2007.

After teaching at Bridgton Academy and Mechanic Falls High School, he became principal at MFHS for five years, continuing to teach one class and to coach. The summers of 1963 and '64, he was Norway's Recreation Director.

He was the first Executive Director of the Oxford County Economic Opportunity Council, now Community Concepts, and a principal organizer of Oxford County Mental Health Association, which became Tri-County Mental Health. He worked 12 years as University of Maine Extension Agent in Community Development.

After working two years in construction, he bought L.F. Pike & Son in 1980, retiring in 2003. His love of music led him to school performances, the Navy's Great Lakes Glee Club, his church choir, and to be a founding member of the Hillsmen Barbershop Chorus.

An active Mason, he was raised in Oxford Lodge 18 AF & AM in Nov. 1953, and was an affiliate member of Mt. Tirem Lodge 136; Past High Priest, Oxford Royal Arch Chapter 29; Past Illustrious Master, Oxford Council 14, R & SM; Past Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Lodge of Maine; member of Lewiston Commandery 6 Knights Templar; Maine Consistory-Valley of Portland; Oxford Chapter 168, OES; Maine Council Order of High Priesthood and Maine Council, Order of Thrice Illustrious Masters.

He was a 69-year member and Deacon Emeritus of the Second Congregational Church of Norway. He was a member of American Legion Post 82 of Norway, and a founder of the Veterans' Breakfast and Past President of Norway Merchants/Business Association. Over the years, he belonged to and served as an officer in numerous professional organizations.

Mr. Gouin leaves behind his brother, Donald H. of Norway; children, Lesley and Gary Dean of Stoneham; grandchildren, Andrew and Rachel Dean of Wiscasset and Ryan and Liz Dean of Norway; his absolute delights, Brynn Livy and Bradyn Levi and many much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved Joyce and son, Peter.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, July 6, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at  Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Route 26, Oxford. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 7, at 1 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church in Norway. Interment will be private.

ln lieu of flower, the family asks that gifts be made to the establishment of the Oxford Lodge Memorial Library, 9 Temple St., Norway, ME 04268 or any of the programs that serve hungry neighbors, such as the Free Supper Program, Second Congregational Church, Main Street, Norway, ME 04268.

Arrangements under the direction of Oxford Hills & Weston Funeral Services. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.