Thomas O. Auger

AUBURN, Maine -- Thomas O. Auger, 82, of Lewiston, died Oct. 6, 2010, at The Hospice House surrounded by his loving family following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston, Jan. 14, 1928, to Oscar and Evelina (Ouellette) Auger. He was educated in the Auburn school system and was a triple-letter athlete at Edward Little High School. He led the Red Eddies to a state championship in basketball in 1945.

He signed to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals but a shoulder injury ended his career. He was inducted into The L-A Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He married the love of his life, Mildred Parent, on Dec. 29, 1951.

He was a tire salesman for BF Goodrich and later started his own company, The L&A Tire Co. As business grew to include auto parts and accessories, L&A Tire became VIP Discount Auto Center., with franchises throughout northern New England

He was a man known for his generosity, kindness and sense of humor. He always had a smile and a kind word to say.

IN HIS LIFE: Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mildred Auger; a son, Thomas J. Auger and his companion, Lisa Martin, of Wales; two daughters, Carol Sweeney and her husband, Michael, of Falmouth and Nancy Hunt and her husband, David, of Naples, Fla.; three grandchildren, Thomas Auger, Andrew Sweeney and Timothy Sweeney; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and Brooke Auger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lewiston Auburn Dialysis Center for their kindness and professionalism during the care of our loved one.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church. Committal prayers followed by military honors and entombment will be held at St. Peter's Cemetery Mausoleum.

Donations may be made to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.