BREWER — Robert Omer Labrie, 92, a longtime resident of Auburn, was called home on Monday, April 17, at Woodlands Senior Living in Brewer.
Robert was born in 1924 in Lewiston, son of Omer and Veronique Labrie. He was educated in Lewiston-Auburn schools and married the love of his life, Therese F. Gagnon, on Feb. 2, 1946, upon his return from World War II. Robert proudly served his country in WWII in the 45th Infantry Division which, on April 29, 1945, liberated the Dachau concentration camp. His family holds dear the flower petals from Anzio Beachhead he sent to his sweetheart while overseas. In the midst of terrible and unimaginable atrocity, he found love and beauty.
Prior to his retirement in 1986, he was employed by several shoe shops in Auburn. Robert was a man of honor and loved by all those who knew him — kind, loving, generous, hardworking, a family man and forgiving are a few of the words that come to mind when his family thinks of him. He loved his wife, Therese, and would answer her hollers for “Bob!” with a smile on his face, ready to help. He and Therese vacationed to Bermuda, Hawaii and London, and visited family in Nebraska many times. There were many games of cribbage played over the years and many rounds of golf. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, cutting wood for the wood stove and spending time at “lost pond.” His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will hold dear the solid handshakes that turned into hugs and kisses, the fish “chowdah” he would make on special request, the numerous life lessons he taught them without them even realizing, and that smile and twinkle in his blue eyes.
Dementia may have robbed him of his memories in his last few years, but it never changed who he was at his core — a kind, generous and honest man. His legacy of hard work, love and commitment to family will live on in each of us and the many generations to come.
Robert is survived by three sisters, Therese Deschenes, Irene Delorme and Florence Raymond of Auburn; a daughter, Claire Strickland and husband, Terry, of Old Town; a son, Donald Labrie and wife, Terri, of La Vista, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Daniel Morrell and wife, Jennifer, James Morrell and wife, Erin, Jonathan Pratt and wife, Dorianna, Nicole Lawrence and husband, Peter, Jennifer Labrie-Pereira and husband, Will, Michael Morrell and wife, Erin, and Heather Noyes and husband, Chris; 10 great-grandchildren, Alexandar, Ashley, Bailey, Zackary, Ayla, Madelain, Liam, Emilie, Sophie and Charles.
He was predeceased by his sister, Simone; his brother, Raymond; two daughters, Jeannine and Suzanne Labrie; and great-granddaughter, Jillian Morrell.
The family would like to say a special thank-you to all of the staff at Woodlands Senior Living in Brewer who cared for Robert with love and compassion since 2014.
Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Robert’s online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
Robert Omer Labrie
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