CITRUS SPRINGS, Fla. - Gary R. Aube passed from this life to the next at his home in Citrus Springs, Fla., after a long illness, with his best friend, Charlie, at his side. Before moving to Florida, Gary lived in Hollis Center, Camden and Thomaston.

Gary was born in Westbrook on Nov. 27, 1941, and was the son of the late Emile G. Aube and Lena G. Aube. The first 15 years of his life, he lived in Biddeford, before moving to Gorham, where he graduated from Gorham High School, the Class of 1961.

Gary was employed as produce manager for Zahares IGA on St. Valentines Street in Westbrook. Later he was employed as a maintenance mechanic at Saunders Brothers Dowel Factory in Westbrook and had lived in Hollis Center for 31 years.

He owned and operated Bear Hill Stables in Hollis Center, where he and his brother, Neil, raised Appaloosa and Quarter horses. Gary and Neil successfully participated in horse shows for many years with their horses. Gary also enjoyed spending weekends trail riding the carriage roads of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor.

In Massachusetts, New York and Weld, Maine, Gary enjoyed helping others with visual and hearing impairments, serving as a volunteer counselor at summer camps for several years. He was also a member of the Blind Americans Inc. of Citrus County Florida.

Gary was presented with the Volunteer of the year award from Maine Meeting Place in Southern Maine, which helped the disabled communities of Maine.

In 2004, Gary moved to Citrus Springs, Fla., with his best friend, Charlie.

He was predeceased by his parents, Emile and Lena Aube; an infant sister, Janita; and his brother, Neil. Surviving is his best friend of 34 years, Charlie; his sister, Arlene and her husband, Don; and his nieces and nephews, Scott, Lynne, Gail, Judy, Susan, Dan, Diane, Kevin, Jade and Devon.

Cremation was held at Roberts Funeral Home in Dunnellon, Fla.

A funeral mass was held on Oct. 16 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus Springs, Fl. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. Blais & Hay Funeral Home in Westbrook, followed by interment in St. Hyacinth's Catholic Cemetery in Westbrook.