Richard LeVasseur

MILLINOCKET, Richard LeVasseur, it is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Rick, who left us on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, at the age of 66. Rick was born December 15th, 1957, in Lincoln, Maine, to Richard (Dick) and Jutta (Judy) LeVasseur. Rick spent his childhood in East Millinocket and at their family camp on Cedar Lake where his love for the outdoors began, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling with his father and brothers, and where he developed the hard work ethic, he would be known for throughout his life. Rick was extremely proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated as the salutatorian of the Class of 1976 at Schenck High School, where he excelled at basketball. Rick proudly attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering in1980, making the Superintendent's List all 4 years.
After shipping out of the MEBA Union Hall until 1982, Rick was hired by LNG Corporation and worked as a 3rd Engineer on the LNG Capricorn Natural Gas Carrier in the South China Seas, working on this vessel until 1990. Upon returning to the Katahdin region, Rick began his long career as an entrepreneur, establishing Katahdin Shadows Campground where he met the love of his life Debbie. Rick devoted his life to Debbie and their children, exposing them and people from all over the country to the area he loved. Rick and Debbie continued their journey establishing Katahdin Shadows Motel, Penobscot River Outfitters, The Jo-Mary Riders Snowmobile Club, of which he was President. Rick and Debbie's entrepreneurship culminated with their life-long dream of creating 5 Lakes Lodge on South Twin Lake where they continued to welcome thousands of guests, sharing the area they cherished.
Richard is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 24 years, Debra Lynn McLaughlin LeVasseur; their children Lori and Robert Davis, Erica McAvoy and her fiancé Thomas Jones, and Adam and Tessa Cyr; grandchildren Zachary, Brady, Brooklyn, Owen, Gavin and Ethan; parents Richard LeVasseur and Judy Skupin LeVasseur; brothers Michael LeVasseur and his wife Carol, and Steven LeVasseur; Debbie's siblings Gail Libby and Benjamin McLaughlin; brothers-in-law Eliott Michaud and his wife Cecile and David Michaud; sister-in-law Colleen McLaughlin; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family too numerous to list.
Richard is predeceased by his brother Ronald and sister-in-law Jacalyn LeVasseur, sisters-in-law Betty Michaud and Joan Michaud; brothers-in-law George McLaughlin, Richard McLaughlin and John Libby; father and mother-in-law Willard and Priscilla McLaughlin.
Rick loved the many ski trips with his buddies "The Wolfpack". Snowmobiling was a lifelong passion; it didn't matter if it was grooming trails through the night or leading a group on a ride through those same trails he took such pride in maintaining. In the summers, gathering the grandchildren and friends aboard the pontoon boat to feed the eagles was the highlight of many evenings. But his greatest joy was spending time in his most treasured vacation spot, Cancun, Mexico with Debbie, where he could be found sleeping in a chair by the pool with a book on his chest, laughing with everyone at the pool bar with a margarita in his hand or enjoying a wonderful dinner out. However, Rick was most content right at Debbie's side. Whether it be hand in hand walking the beaches, hiking the trails he loved, working on and maintaining their properties, falling asleep on the loveseat to the evening news, or watching the sunset over the lake. It didn't matter how the day was spent, as long as it was spent with Debbie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's honor to the charity of your choice that benefits suicide prevention, mental health support, neurological health or cancer research.
Friends and Family are invited to join us for a celebration of Rick's life at their home Saturday September 28th, at 27 Libby Ln. Indian Purchase Twp., service to start at 2:00. Having this service on the lake is what we feel is right, but it will come with some challenges. This will be a very casual event; we want everyone to just be comfortable. Parking will be difficult; we ask that parking at the house be saved for those who need to park close and to carpool as much as possible. Additional parking will be along rt.11, the house on Serenity Lane and at the Public Boat Launch. A shuttle will be available and running between the areas. We also encourage people to bring camp chairs, etc. to keep themselves comfortable, a tent and tables/chairs will be available but will not be enough for everyone expected to attend. To share condolences and memories online visit www.bowersfuenral.com