Roger Alan Landry

Roger Alan Landry
    SPRINGVALE -- Roger Alan Landry of Springvale passed away on June 11, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer.
     He was born July 18, 1946, in Fitchburg Mass. Roger joined the Air Force in 1964 and served in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He stayed active duty for the next 23 years, stationed in Spain, Italy, England, Texas and Florida and others. Among the multitudes of medals and accolades he was awarded were the Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and was a recipient and State Director of the Order of the Silver Rose.
     Roger and his wife Jane moved to Maine in 1987, where they eventually settled in the Sanford/Springvale area. He was diagnosed with throat cancer, a residual effect of Agent Orange, and despite having extensive treatment and a tracheotomy after surgery, Roger was elected as the State Representative for District 10 (Sanford) and served on the 121st Legislature from 2003-2004. While in service, he was on the Legal and Veteran's Affairs Committee and the co-chair of the Maine State Task Force on Veteran's Health Services. He was well known throughout Maine, frequently traveling across the state to speak on behalf of veterans, or to speak to reserve and active duty military troops.
     Roger was also well known for his frequent contributions to the Sanford News, where his column on life's observances, as well as life with Miss Jane, were featured on a regular basis. In 2003 his column was awarded the New England Press Association Award for the Best Humor Column.
     Roger was always a wandering spirit and never could settle down. With his wife Jane, he traveled frequently, across the nation and to Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska and Hong Kong. He will be remembered for being the short man with the small voice that was always somehow taller and louder than anyone in the room. He used his voice to relentlessly fight for those that couldn't, especially veterans. His duty to this country did not stop when he packed his uniform away.
     Roger is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane; his sons, Darrin and his wife Deb of Saco, Dean and his wife Lorie of Offutt AFB, Nebraska; and daughter Dawn Gadbois and her husband Eric of Springvale. His continued legacy includes grandchildren Devan, Drew, Cain, Tori, Morgan, Madison, Camille and Cheryl; and great-grandchildren Samantha, Gabriel and Abbey.
     He is predeceased by his father, Hector Joseph Landry of Fitchburg, Mass. Surviving are his mother, Irene Racine Landry; sister Judy and brother John, all of Fitchburg Mass. His entourage also includes many nieces and nephews, from New England to Hong Kong.
     A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, June 17 from 1 - 1:30 p.m. at the Curtis Lake Christian Church, 38 Westview Dr., Sanford, located behind the Sanford Walmart. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. at the church. A Masonic Service will be held during the memorial service. Directions are available at the Curtis Lake Christian Church website.
     Arrangements are with Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco. www.dcpate.com
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sanford Vet Center Post Fund. A note should accompany any donation specifying that the funds be used by the Sanford Vet Center.
    Checks should be should be sent to :
    Voluntary Service (135)
    Togus Medical Center
    1 VA Center
     Augusta, Maine 04330
    Roger Alan Landry