Richard B. Champagne, Sr.

Richard B. Champagne, Sr., 80, of Fairfield, died June 10, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Waterville, Oct. 26, 1932 the son of Odias and Georgiana Veilleux Champagne. He had nine brothers and five sisters. Richard served in the U.S Army during the Korean War. He had been a union carpenter for many years, retiring in 1980. Richard Champagne presented himself 100% in all things he did, may it be mowing a lawn around his home, or doing a favor for someone that asked him, or volunteering his service. Richard was not a person to bring false information to people. He enjoyed being honest, sharing humor, telling stories of life experiences that usually brought interesting times for the listeners. He also enjoyed hunting, and being outdoors with his family. Dad's passion was loving my mother, Maurine, with all his heart. They had married on December 27, 1957. They both carried the torch for one another until the separation of my mother's passing on August 11, 2012. One day on the way to Maple Crest Home, to visit Mom, I asked Dad what his dream was, if he could have been something other than in construction and he said, without hesitation, that he'd be in the movies and dance like Fred Astaire. Dad loved to dance the shuffle step, Amen. He was predeceased by his wife; son, Richard B. Champagne, Jr.; parents; brothers and sisters except for one brother who is still living, Louis Champagne and his wife Ann of Plymouth. He is also survived by two sons, Gary Champagne of Skowhegan and Steven Champagne and wife Cheryl of Fairfield; daughter-in-law, Karen Champagne of Fairfield; and by 13 grandchildren, Shannon, Aaron, Shawn, Danielle, Dakota, Makita, Jessie, Josie, Tatonka, Jerico, Jasper, Journey and Justice ; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Sat. June 15, 2013 at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville. Committal prayers and burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. A luncheon will be held at the church after burial. Arrangements are with Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.