Horace L. Rodrigue

AUGUSTA – Horace L. Rodrigue, our dear Dad, is now reunited with his departed wife, friends, and family. Born in Augusta, June 6, 1925 to Edward and Yvonne Loubier Rodrigue, he was the eldest son of 14 children. A generous, well-loved, and much-respected man—that was Dad. He passed on Sept. 4, 2021.

He received tremendous joy from his wife, family, and many friends.

The Great Depression etched the hallmarks of hard work on his long life. Since Dad grew up on a small farm in Augusta, the family always had food. However, although very young, Dad worked to assist his family in a variety of jobs. As eldest son, and later as husband and Dad, he always put family first, sacrificing much to protect and to provide for those he loved.

Dad always worked two, if not three jobs. He was part of an older generation of workmen who knew how to do a bit of everything and performed many jobs: ship-fitter at Bath Iron Works, taxi driver, telegraph operator, carpenter, painter, real estate agent, board member of a credit union, antique dealer, house renovator, as well as railroad clerk, his full-time job. He also volunteered for St. Mary’s Church, serving longest as Building Manager, with hands-on work shared with dear friend Leonard Belanger.

In 1947, his 38-year railroad career began when he was hired as a clerk for the then very busy Maine Central Railroad. His co-worker Athleen Bryant, whose practical jokes and humor created a lively workplace, became a life-long friend. We remember the enormous iron safe in the office and the clack of the manual typewriter Dad used daily. Computers came in just as he retired.

Dad met Mom (Maybelle Jones) in 1946. After they married in 1947, Dad built their house in 1950 next to the family farm. Here they raised the three of us, who enjoyed a similar outdoor childhood to the one Dad experienced. We remember the Dad who brought us home our first kitten, taught us to ride a bike, took pride in our achievements, loved us unconditionally, and treasured his grandkids.

Mom and Dad shared many great experiences: European trips; Florida vacations; Calumet Club dancing and dining; and Quebec antique-buying trips. When Mom became an antique dealer, Dad joined her in going to shows, enjoying the social part of selling antiques as well as the treasure-finding.

Dad, an avid outdoorsman, was happiest outside. He enjoyed his hunting camp and his outdoor adventures with Win Edward, Harry Locke, and Archie Lebowitz and others. Dad, never happier than when fishing, especially with his son and grandchildren, looked forward to an annual trip to Grand Falls, his favorite place of all. Dad loved the music of birdsong, the sounds of woods and water, and indeed, all music, including the laughter of his grandchildren.

Relatives who died before Dad: sisters Martha Rodrigue, Iseult Ferguson, Muguette Shields, Laurette Gilbert; one infant son; brothers Patrick Rodrigue, Donald Rodrigue; special sisters-in-law Therese Rodrigue, Dorothy Ranta.

Surviving relatives include daughter Suzanne Comins of Bangor (Neil), grandchildren James and Kessie Silas; son Joseph H. Rodrigue of Augusta (Lynne), grandsons Joseph E. and Steve; daughter Linda Rao (Madhukar) of Carlsbad, CA; brother Camille; sisters Doris Prescott, Violette Verhille, Louise DeAlba, Carole Rodrigue; special sister-in-law Marion Williams; cousin Dale and Mark Rodrigue; many nieces and nephews.

We owe heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bedside Manor who loved and cared for Dad as if he were a member of their own family. Special thanks to Michelle Lee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held later after the Covid danger has lessened/passed. If you wish to honor our Dad, say a prayer for him in a beautiful outdoor place and remember his smile, his humor, and his humility.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.