Roger R. LaRoche

AUBURN – Roger R. LaRoche passed away surrounded by loved ones on Aug. 4, 2023, at the Hospice House in Auburn. He is survived by his daughters June Simard and Louise McDonough (and her husband, Sean), grandchildren Sean McDonough (and his wife, Maria) and Andrew McDonough (and his wife, Shieun), great-grandchildren Emma, Elliott, Bella, and Esme, and several special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 39 years, Solange Begin LaRoche. For the past twenty years, he shared his life with his loving girlfriend, Noella Breton of Lewiston. He was also predeceased by his parents Omer and Irene, his siblings Yvette Ayotte, Lambert (Bullet) LaRoche, Henriette Howes, Paul, Raymond, and Paulette LaRoche, and his son-in-law Richard (Dick) Simard.

To Louise and June, he was Dad. Pepere to Sean and Andrew and their children. To all of his countless friends and relatives, he was Hoot. A proud, lifelong resident of New Auburn, he could not walk around the block, watch an Edward Little football game, or attend the Fourth of July fireworks, a community band concert, or the balloon festival without encountering friendly waves and handshakes and shouts of “Hoot!” from every direction. 

His family holds dear a lifetime of happy memories they enjoyed with him. Louise and June remember him standing on his head and kicking off his slippers when they were young girls, Sunday beach trips to Reid State Park, helping with math homework, being their number one fan at school and sport events and telling them each and every day how much he loved them. His son-in-law Sean remembers many walks to the Legion to “sign the book.” Sean and Andrew remember walks to Walton field to kick field goals and wiffle ball games in the backyard. Noella remembers many fun trips including adventures at the Dude Ranch. They remember him proudly tending his garden, singing with gusto during mass at St. Louis, always having a joke or clever reply at the ready, and enjoying a boat ride on Taylor Pond. Roger found joy in all of the simple pleasures of life. He loved singing along with the oldies and patriotic songs, cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Huston Farm, taking cruises with Solange, June and Dick, watching the Bruins and the Detroit Tigers, and enjoying an occasional whiskey and ginger. He spent many happy days and enjoyed trips to Hampton Beach with Bullet and Rosie. After losing Solange, he often joined his sister Paulette for many dinners. He was also blessed with many close neighbors and appreciated the love and support of the Vallees, and Africa and Luis Rovayo. 

Roger began his working career with a paper route on Fourth Street. Later, he opened a small candy stand in New Auburn. When he was 17 years old, he joined the Army to help support his family. His military service brought him to France and Germany, where he built air strips on assignment to the Air Force. After his service, he returned to Auburn, where he worked a few jobs before joining Bullet at Peter Allen Lumber in Auburn in 1957. He loved his nearly six-decade career at Peter Allen and Hammond Lumber in Auburn, finally retiring in 2016 . He was passionate about his community and devoted time to serving on the board of directors of the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and the Edward Little Grandstand Club selling 50-50 tickets at football games. He was a proud member and served as president of the St. Louis Booster Club, volunteering for countless activities including flooding the skating rink at St. Louis at midnight and taking pride in having the best ice around. He also coached and served as umpire for softball games. Roger was a committed member of St. Louis Parish, where he served on the parish council, passed the collection basket for many years, and served as a eucharistic minister with Solange. 

As a young man, Roger thought he wanted sons, but later in life would thank God for his two loving daughters. In recent years, Roger took every opportunity to remind them that he had lived a great life. His family takes comfort in the joy with which he lived his life, and the joy he brought to all of them. “Bonsoir, bonne nuit, bye bye. J’taime beaucoup”. You are the best!

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared on Roger’s memorial page at http://www.albert-burpee.com.

Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday Aug. 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with Army Military Honors at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn at 1pm. Graveside committal prayers will be said on Monday Aug. 21, 2023, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Cemetery (Blue Star Memorial Highway) in Augusta. Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, 782-7201.

Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Roger’s memory to: United New Auburn Association: UNAA Inc ℅ Ken Blais, 87 Mill Street

Auburn, ME 04210.