Gaston Gus A. Champagne

1924-2011

Gaston “Gus” Champagne, 87 of Skowhegan, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Madison on Oct. 13, 2011.

He was born April 26, 1924 in St. Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Canada and the son of Joseph Champagne and Marie Elise ( Gilbert ) Champagne.

He was educated in the Canadian schools.

Gaston married his soul mate, Juliette T. Champagne on June 17, 1948 in St. Georges de Beauce, Canada. Together they shared 60 wonderful years. Juliette passed away on April 28, 2009.

He started working as a Woodsman at a very young age and in later years he owned and operated his own skidder which he loved. He had his own logging crew who were very special to him. He also worked for Scott Paper, until becoming disabled in 1976.

Gaston was a communicant of the Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Skowhegan and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He received his life membership from the fraternal order of Eagles in Skowhegan. He is a member of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge #2531 in Skowhegan.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing ice hockey in Canada when he was growing up. He had a passion for the Red Sox. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends playing cards, traveling and going to casinos. He was very devoted to his daily visits with his wife Juliette while she was in the nursing home for 2 years, no matter what the weather conditions were. He loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his four daughters; Linette Salisbury and her husband Greg of Skowhegan, France Crowley and her fiancé’ Daniel Ouellette of Vassalboro, Julie Redmond and her husband William of Madison, Pauline Morin of Skowhegan and her special friend Don French of Madison. Sisters; Madeleine Poulin of St. Georges, Canada, Micheline Damien and her husband Armand of St. Georges, Canada, Lisette Dallaire and her husband Philippe of St. Georges, Canada, Odette Tanguay and her husband Victor of St. Georges, Canada. Brother; Hugues Champagne and his wife Francoise of Sherbrooke, Canada. Brother in-law; Denis Poulin of St. Georges de Beauce, Canada. Sister in-law; Hugette Cattelier and her husband Champlain of St. Georges de Beauce, Canada. Eleven grandchildren; Jimmy Salisbury, Sherry Salisbury, Tammy Carrier, Tiffany Chabot, Laurie Grant, Michelle Champagne, Paul Magoon, Paula Hanley, Michael Morin, Matt Morin, Marcus Morin. Fourteen great-grandchildren; Kyle Carrier, Kris Carrier, Ashley Carrier, Camden Grant, Noah Grant, Mason Grant, Angela Proulx, Anthony Proulx, Dante Champagne, Libbie Magoon, Logan Magoon, Joseph Hanley, Lily Hanley, Samuel Hanley, many nieces and nephews and several close friends.

He was predeceased by his only son, Michael “Supie” Champagne. Brothers; St. Georges Champagne, Roger Champagne, Claude Champagne. Sisters; Mariette Gilbert and her husband Andre’. Brother in-law and sister in-law, Fernand and Yvette Poulin. Sister in-law; Marie-Paul Poulin.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Health Reach Hospice, Dr. Paradis, Care takers and Ben and his staff at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home for their wonderful care.

At Gus’s request there will be no visitation hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, Water Street, Skowhegan. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Skowhegan, Maine.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Elks National Foundation, Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge # 2531, 21 Silver St. Skowhegan, Maine. 04976

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.