Rene J. Gagnon

Photo:

Rene J. Gagnon

MECHANIC FALLS — Rene J. Gagnon, 87, of Mechanic Falls died at home on Thursday, January 20, 2011, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born in Lewiston on May 15, 1923, he was the son of Madore and Courana (Nolet) Gagnon. He was educated in Lewiston schools. He married his childhood sweetheart, June Lorraine (Robinson) on July 10, 1942, raising their six children in the home he and his father built on Niskayuna St. in Auburn.

He was employed for 25 years at Lewiston Crush Stone and five years at Callahan Construction. Mr. and Mrs. Gagnon then built their store, Elm Street Variety in Mechanic Falls, and operated it for 28 years. After retirement, he was known for wheeling/dealing, fixing and repairing anything.

He enjoyed C.B. radio, his handle being “Rockefeller,” and listening to Dave talk always made him smile. Most recently he enjoyed playing cards, going out to eat, playing his favorite game of bowling on the Wii with Simone Deschaine, his companion of two years, and their friends at the Bates St. Towers. He will be missed by his dog “Getty,” who always watched for his Grandpa to come home so they could sit together in their favorite recliner and watching WWE wrestling.

Mr. Gagnon is survived by his sister, Cecile Brooks of Auburn; son, David Gagnon of Mechanic Falls; four daughters, Loretta Enman of Otisfield, Rena and husband Archie Sawyer of Poland, Jean and husband Robert Smith of Lewiston and Patricia Pellitier of Oxford; 40 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his loving wife, June; daughter, Cindy; son, Joseph; parents; brother, James Gagnon and sisters, Priscilla Gagnon and Claudette Winslow.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held in the spring at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Auburn. A time and date will be announced then. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Rte. 26, Oxford. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.