AUBURN — Roger LaRue, 79, of Auburn passed away Wednesday, July 6, peacefully in his sleep at his home with his loving family at his side after a long battle with Parkinson.

He was born in Lewiston, July 7,1931, the son of Adelard and Leonie St. Pierre LaRue of Quebec and later, Lewiston. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Allarie/LaRue on Sept.15, 1951. His devotion and love for her lasted well beyond her death 12 years ago. He still called her his sweetheart. Roger was a member of Sacred Heart Church.

He lived a full life and will be remembered for his outstanding work ethic, his wise guy humor and his total devotion to his family. A gentleman to friends, family and every stranger he met, he was a shining role model for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was modest but engaging and would never have wanted all this to be said about him!

As a hand sewer for many years at Sebago Shoe, he would rise before the crack of dawn to commute to Westbrook from Auburn.

He was exceptionally quick and took great pride in perfecting the technique of hand sewing. As a result of his expertise and skill, the company sent him to Haiti, California, and Paris on several occasions to demonstrate the craftsmanship of hand sewing. His engaging personality coupled with his bilingual abilities assisted in his interactions with the public, and he enjoyed answering questions from the crowds that would gather around him.

He loved sports and was a devoted fan at all of his family’s sporting events, where he thoroughly enjoyed the competition. He was a generous man and found little comfort in the need to accumulate “stuff.” He would give you the shirt off his back and not blink an eye.

He is survived by his four children, Richard LaRue, Linda LaRue-Keniston and her husband, Martin Keniston, Sue LaRue, Scott LaRue and Shelli Labbe; eight grandchildren, Eric LaRue and his wife Jennifer, Jody LaRue and his wife Kelley, Sarah LaRue, Michael LaRue, Joshua Keniston, Tyler Keniston, Corey LaRue and Nicole LaRue; four great-grandchildren, Lauren LaRue, Lukas and Owen LaRue and Madison LaRue; his brother, Raymond LaRue and his wife, Carmen, and his sister, Fern LaRue.

He was predeceased by a sister, Rita Lessard; and a brother, Donald LaRue.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Helping Hand Elders Independence of Maine and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice

Online guest book and condolences may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.