1929 – 2015

LEWISTON — Orean Joseph “Champ” Champagne, 86, a resident of Lewiston, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 1, following a yearlong battle with cancer, with his loving wife by his side.

He was born Jan. 2, 1929, in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada, the son of Yvonne Arsenault and Eugene Champagne. He was educated in local schools, attended the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, and was a member of the National Guard.

In September 1950, he married Muriel Caron, and together, they raised five children. She predeceased him in June 1974. He married Claudette Beauchesne King in July 1979 and they became a family with eight children.

He worked for many years in motor repair, retiring as supervisor from AC Electric Corp.

Champ enjoyed traveling the country, cruising, going to casinos, especially Las Vegas, playing cards and cribbage. He found great pleasure in helping others and was always the first to lend a hand and share his knowledge. Most of all, he cherished his time spent with family, especially hosting large family gatherings.

He is survived by his wife, Claudette; daughters, Janine (Robert) Pelchat, Anne (Robert) Leveque and Christina (Richard) Eccles; sons, Rene (Janine) Champagne, Paul Champagne and Richard (Debbie) King; mother-in-law, Rose Maley; daughter-in-law, Carleen Champagne; son-in-law, Steve Theberge; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Rita Mathieu, Georgette True, Lise Conway and Jacqueline Conway. He is also survived by special friends, Norman Lessard and Lucien and Millie Guay.

He was predeceased by a son, Mark Champagne; a daughter, Kathy Theberge; brothers, Russell and Gaeten; sisters, Vivian Goulette, Cecile DeLong and Frances Theberge; and granddaughter, Kara Law.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kappelmann and Dr. Pandey, as well as Androscoggin Home Health, especially Tish Clark, for their care and assistance.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Champ’s guest book and leave memories and condolences for the family.