Richard D. Lagasse

NEW SWEDEN - Richard D. Lagasse, 56, passed away Friday, July 31, 2009, in Boston, after fighting a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was born Aug. 6, 1952, in Van Buren, the son of Emile and Doris (Brissette) Lagasse. Richard, a member of Caribou High School graduating Class of 1971, was a dedicated businessman. In 1986 he purchased Aroostook Roofing and Sheet Metal from his father, continuing the family business as owner and operator until 2000. In addition, he kept himself busy as the owner of Tractor Track Systems until his retirement in 2000. His love for the great outdoors kept him on the move, whether walking in the woods, picking berries or grooming for 10 years as part for the Nordic Lakers. His hard work paid off on behalf of the ATV-riders when they were able to enjoy a trail through Caribou; even the Lagasse Connector Trail was named after him in his honor. Richard was not a man to sit still for long, but still he would pause long enough to let a bird eat from his hand. When spring rolled around, Richard enjoyed tapping trees out at the sugar shack. He was always known as a great storyteller and was a friend to all who knew him. In recognition for his outstanding service and commitment to the community, Richard was named Caribou Citizen of the Year for 2008. In addition to his mother, Doris, he is survived by his wife, Melanie (Theriault) Lagasse of New Sweden; four children, Meagan Lagasse of Tallahassee, Fla., Emily Atcheson and her husband, Donnie, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Lukas and Lance Lagasse, both of New Sweden; two brothers, James Lagasse and his wife, Brenda, of Manassas, Va., and Steve Lagasse and his wife, Anne, of Caribou; two sisters, Sandra Lagasse and her husband, Ed Rice, of Tuston, Calif., and Diane Alexander of Caribou; a granddaughter, Amelia Atcheson; several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a mother-in-law, Laurane Theriault of Caribou; brother-in-law, Greg Theriault of Levant; four sisters-in-law, Hollie Trosper, Darla Wambold, Valarie Theriault, all of Caribou and Kerry Simones of Prescott, Wis.; and two special friends, James Goulet and his wife, Shirley, of Chelsea and Janice Lagasse of Tallahassee, Fla., who is the mother of his two daughters. He was predeceased by his father, Emile in August 1996. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with the Rev. Aaron Damboise, celebrant. Interment will take place after the service at New Holy Rosary Cemetery, Caribou. A reception will be held at the parish hall after the committal. Friends may express their condolences to the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.