ROCKPORT — Rene W. Gagne, 68, a lifelong resident of Rockport, passed away April 17, 2013, after a brief illness. Born in Augusta, he was the son of Rene W. and Dorothy (Yattaw) Gagne. He attended local schools. He first began working with his father as a mechanic at Maplewood Poultry Company in Belfast. That is where he met his wife, Delores (Wing). They were married June 24, 1967, in Northport and made their home and raised their children on Union Street in Rockport and later on Route 90 in West Rockport. After Maplewood closed, Rene worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for George C. Hall and at Maritime Energy prior to his retirement in 1990 due to a back injury.

Rene enjoyed his free time cruising the roads in his truck over Beech Hill or down to the harbor. He put thousands of miles on his trucks each year, but rarely left town. He was happiest going for rides, even if it was just around town. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time at Moosehead Lake. Prior to his back injury, Rene was actively involved in local motorcycle clubs, where he and Delores went on several trips across New England. Rene was very particular about his things, ensuring his truck was always washed and he also maintained a meticulous lawn, spending countless hours each year mowing and trimming. He couldn't wait for spring and summer to arrive, and then cursed it all season long until the last leaf fell from the trees and was cleaned up.

Rene was very proud of his children, and while at times it was hard for them to understand, he instilled a tremendous work ethic and a sense of accountability in each of them. Rene's greatest pet peeve was being late, or when others were late. If he had an appointment, you could count on it that he would be at least 15 minutes early and if you said you were going to meet him, you had better be 15 minutes early.

Rene was pre-deceased by his parents; a sister, Loraine; a son, David; and the love of his life, Delores. He is survived by his son, Randy and his wife, Richelle, of Searsmont; his daughter, Michelle Hannan and her husband, Robert, of Rockport; and his grandchildren, Michael Gagne and his fiancé, Sarah Wade, of Rockland, and Nikki Gagne and her fiancé, Michael Lindsey, and great-granddaughter, Isabella Lindsey, all of Searsmont. Survivors also include his sisters, Roxinne Lawson of Rockport, Leona Dillard of Florida and Susie Scheuerlein of Washington State; his wife's brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

There were other special people in Rene's life that provided him great love and companionship over the years. These include his companion of more than 11 years, Jeannie Lewis of Rockport; and very close friends, Don Jacobson and Wayne Hilt, both of St. George.

At Rene's request, services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial gifts may be made in his memory to Sixty Three Washington Street, 63 Washington Street, Camden, ME 04845 or to PAWS, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Gagne family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.