J. Richard Vachon

SABATTUS - J. Richard Vachon, or Dick as he was better known, passed away on November 11th after a short illness. He was born in Sabattus on March 18, 1937 the son of Aime and Alma (Thibodeau) Vachon and resided in that town for a good part of his life. Dick graduated in the top ten of his class with honors from Lewiston High School in 1955; In 1960, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Gorham State Teachers College and in 1973 his Master’s Degree from the University of Maine. Dick served six summers as a camp counselor at the Androscoggin Boys Camp in Wayne, ME. Over a span of 35 years, he taught fifth grade at several Maine schools, was employed at Donald Bissonnette’s Accounting Office, and for the Lewiston Housing Authority; he found his work at Meadowview Park most rewarding. Dick was extremely proud of his Franco –Canadian heritage and he demonstrated that by volunteering at the C’est si Bon Festival and the productions of the French plays “Les Cloches de Corniville”, and “La Veuve Joyeuse.” Dick also served as an officer for Community Concerts. Survivors include two sisters, Jacqueline LaBrecque and her husband, Richard; and Rita Vachon all of Sabattus; and his brother, Marc J. Vachon of Auburn. In addition, he leaves five nieces and one nephew and their families. He was predeceased by his father who died at age 54 in 1965 and by his mother at age 96. It was Dick who was his mother’s primary care giver for a number of years before her passing in 2008. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CNA’s at St. Mary’s Hospital, for their care and support. VACHON passed away November 11, 2011, Mr. J. Richard Vachon age 74 years a resident of Sabattus. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial honoring Dick’s life will be celebrated THURSDAY November 17th 11:00AM at Holy Family Church of the Prince of Peace Parish. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Hospice House 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04240. Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9PM at the PINETTE & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, 784-4023