Donald LaMarque

AUGUSTA -- Donald LaMarque, 88, of Augusta, passed away at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on April 8, 2011.

Donald was born on a houseboat on Lake George, NY on July 9th, 1922. His parents were Francis Xavier LaMarque and Anna Desjardon LaMarque.

He was a WWII veteran who served in the USN for nearly four years in active combat in the South Pacific and was awarded two purple hearts. Before joining the Navy, he worked as a forest firefighter in the three C’s, was a short order cook and a chauffeur. He retired from the Boise Paper Co. in Rumford.

Donald was a nature lover and a devoted man to his causes. He was very active in the town of Mexico, where he resided most of his adult life. He was a volunteer firefighter, an ambulance driver, and a Knights of Pythias member and a lifetime DAV member. He was very active in Boy Scout activities and the local 4-H group.

Other activities included motorcycle riding, woodworking and welding. He was not afraid to try new things and loved an adventure and travelling. He will always be remembered for his kindness to and love for animals. He dearly loved his dog Shiloh and his many cats.

He is survived by his six children and their families, Marlene G. Martin of Winslow, Donald F. and his wife, Lynn LaMarque of Virginia, Kaye and her husband, Larry Currier of Brunswick, Gary and his wife, Ginny LaMarque of Idaho, Crystal J. Williams of New Gloucester, and David and his wife, Brenda LaMarque of Rumford. He has five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several brothers; one sister; and several nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to Lisa, Janet, and all the staff at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta who took such loving care of Donald. Also a special thank you to Health Reach and the hospice team.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the mountain Animal Rescue Group, 195 Bolstridge Rd., Corrinna, ME 04928 or the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901

He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Glenys Eugenie Richmond LaMarque; his parents; several of his brothers; and a sister.

Donald LaMarque Photo:

Donald LaMarque