Paul R. Simard

AUBURN: Paul Rene Simard, 91, of Auburn left this life August 6, 2015 at Clover Manor. We have lost the kindest, gentlest, most fun loving and talented Dad in the world. He will be greatly missed. His ready smile and sense of humor were his most endearing quality, as those of you who knew him will agree. He was born January 23, 1924 in Auburn, a son of the late Henri and Antionette (Reny) Simard. He was raised in Auburn along with his sisters and brother in the St. Louis Church area of New Auburn. He loved his church and fellow parishioners, all of whom were of great importance to him. Paul was a U.S. Army veteran and upon returning home he married his sweetheart, Gloria LaCouture, and began working at Neo-Kraft signs until such time as he decided to open his own business, Modern Signs, in the early 1950’s. His talent for sign and truck painting was greatly admired by many. Whether it was a sign at a local ballfield, in the window of a local grocery or law firm, on the truck of a local business, or a sign for his granddaughter’s junior prom, Pauls’ work demonstrated an extraordinary talent and contribution to the community. Paul leaves behind a son, Ronald Simard and his wife Ann of Auburn, a daughter, Sandra Nyberg and her husband, Peter Letourneau also of Auburn. He has four grandchildren who refer to him as “Pep”, Jennifer Kimble and husband Leonard of Auburn, Michael Simard and wife Michele of Pooler, Georgia, Thomas Nyberg (deceased) formerly of Stuben, Maine, and Kathy Simard and partner Derek Folsom of Beachwood, New Jersey. Paul has eleven great grandchildren, Katy and Max Kimble, Darian Henry, Brendan, Mia and Brooke Simard, Dylan and Jacob Nyberg, and Jalen, Aidan and Ethan Folsom. Paul was the second oldest of seven children, four of which are still living locally; his sisters: Jeanne Doyon-Goodwin of Auburn, Theresa Dennis and Pauline Daigle of Lewiston, and brother Rene Simard of Lisbon. Paul was predeceased by his wife Gloria Simard, grandson Thomas Nyberg, and sisters Claire Cote and Carmen Doyon. The family wishes to express special thanks to Paul’s sister Jeanne, brother Rene, and nephews Gary Dennis, Ray Cote and Terry Feeley for the love and time they shared with Paul during the last few years of his life. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visiting hours will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Monday August 10 from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn on Tuesday August 11 at 11am followed by committal prayers and military honors at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.