Lawrence V. Gaudet

Lawrence V. Gaudet, 84
     PORTLAND -- Lawrence V. Gaudet, 84, died unexpectedly Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, following complications with the flu. He was residing at St. Joseph's Manor in Portland in the assisted living unit, and his wife Barbara of 60 years resided in the nursing home unit of the same facility.
     Larry was born in Rockwood on Aug. 25, 1923, one of 15 children of Arnold and Eva Gilblair Gaudet. As a young man and being part of a large family, he worked hard growing up in his parents' business of Lakeside Inn and Cottages in Rockwood. At the age of 18, Larry entered the service during World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in the Philippines and Japan.
     Following his return from the service, his first job was with Loring, Short and Harmon in Portland. His sister also worked there at the same time. and through her he was introduced to Barbara Vose of Portland. They were marred a few months later and have celebrated their 60th anniversary.
     Throughout the years he had worked driving tractor-trailers of Earl W. Noyes and also was a driver for the Portland Coach Company. He also worked in Sales for King Cole Foods in South Portland worked his way up the ladder to a managerial position. During this time he worked with his brother-in-law Charlie Vose and his great friend, Roger Brown of Fryeburg.
     He and his wife were married on June 23, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Portland and have been members since that time.
     He will be remembered by his family and friends as a person who loved people and for the gift he had of making them smile. He was one of a kind, sweet to be with and will be missed by all that knew him.
     Larry is survived by his wife of Portland; four sisters, Velma Leighton of Killington, Conn., Mary Gaudet and her partner Mona Tessier of Gray, Geraldine Wood of Kileen, Texas, and Claudia Morin and her companion, Walt Stucky of New Gloucester. Also surviving is a daughter, Sherry Langmaid and her husband Chase of Eastport; and a sister-in-law, Helen Vose of Westbrook. Also there are many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, at the First Baptist Church on Canco Road in Portland. There will be no visiting hours. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland.
    The family requests that donations would be greatly received at:
    First Baptist Church of Portland
    Canco Road
     Portland, Maine 04103
    Lawrence V. Gaudet