CYR PLANTATION – Herman J. Lajoie, 58, died unexpectedly May 30, 2006, at a Caribou hospital. He was born April 27, 1948, in Van Buren, the son of Raymond W. and Marcella (Marquis) Lajoie. Herman was educated in local schools and was a 1967 graduate of Van Buren District High School. He was employed in the family farming business from a very early age, having worked with his grandfather, father, two brothers, and more recently with his son and nephew. Herman loved working the land with his family as a potato and grain grower and shipper. He was named Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year and had also been selected by McCain’s as a Top Ten Potato Grower. His greatest love, however, was his family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. As the oldest son in his family, he lived up to what was taught and expected of him by his parents, whom he cared for all his life. Being totally family oriented, he admired his brothers and sisters for their individual value and talents. Herman enjoyed life to the fullest each and every day and had a magnetic personality and genuine concern for all people that he met. A very social person, he loved to dance and be involved fully in whatever he did, whether in his community, church, snowmobiling, on his ATV or just teaching his grandson how to mow the lawn. One of his proudest achievements was serving his community of Cyr Plantation as tax collector and treasurer for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1635 and Fourth Degree Assembly of Van Buren, having served as faithful navigator. He also served as board member and past president of the Gateway Federal Credit Union in Van Buren and was a member of the Gateway Snowmobile Club and the Van Buren ATV Club. In addition to his mother, Marcella of Van Buren; he is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Madore) Lajoie of Cyr Plantation; two daughters, Lori Ouellette and her husband, Lee, of Van Buren, Leslie Long and her husband, Kim, of Brewer; one son, Lucas Lajoie and his wife, Lisa, of Van Buren; two brothers, Michael Lajoie and Philip Lajoie, both of Cyr Plantation; three sisters, Carol Ouellette, Raymonde Laplante and Linda Laplante, all of Van Buren; seven grandchildren, Brandon and Alexis Ouellette, Derek and Kyle Long, Noah, Aaron, and Olivia Lajoie. In addition, he will be greatly missed by his large extended family, his friends, and his communities of Cyr Plantation and Van Buren. Herman was predeceased by his beloved father, Raymond W. Lajoie in 2002. Relatives and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. until time of service Friday at the Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at the St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service and interment will be in the Grande Riviere Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the St. Bruno-St. Remi Parish Memorial Fund, 180 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785.
HERMAN J. LAJOIE
