Ronald R. Chagnon

Farmington, NH- Ronald R. Chagnon, 82, of School Street in Farmington, died October 25, 2020, after a year-long struggle with cancer. He passed peacefully, under the care of his family, in the house he called home for almost sixty years.

Born August 1, 1938, in Farmington, the youngest son of the late Raymond and Aldea (Letourneau) Chagnon. He was a proud, life-long resident of Farmington where he worked, raised his family, and lived a lifetime of service.

Ron (nicknamed "Joe") attended local schools and graduated from Farmington High School, class of 1956. As a young boy in Farmington, he loved music and was quite the singer. He greatly admired the legendary singer, Al Jolson, and performed in many town minstrel shows where he'd bring down the packed house at the local Town Hall with his rendition of "My Mammy." His performing days were so deep-rooted that he actually sang a verse to his hospice nurse only one week before his passing.

Upon graduating from high school, Ron enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1964. His call to serve was greatly influenced by his deep admiration and love for his older brothers, "Babe" and "Bud" who served in the Army and Navy respectively.

Ron married the love of his life, Lorraine, and was married for 49 years until her passing in 2010. They built a camp in the early 60's in Shapleigh, Maine where they enjoyed many years on Silver Lake and were active in the Silver Lake Association. They adopted two children and created many special memories both in Farmington and Shapleigh. Ron was happiest when at camp with his most cherished friends.

As a young man, he worked as a shoemaker in local shops and was a past postmaster at the Farmington Post Office. Later he went on to work as a lineman for the former New England Telephone where he retired from in 1993. He was a "handyman" and had skills he would share with friends and family when something was broken and needed fixing.

Service defined Ron's life. He volunteered for many causes, including coaching CYO basketball, volunteer firefighter, and lengthy service to the local 500 Club which proudly inducted him into their Farmington Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Ron was honored by the Tri-Town Democrats in 2014 recognizing his public service to Farmington and surrounding communities which spanned five decades. He was a proud democrat and held various elected positions. He was the youngest man to ever be elected to Farmington's Board of Selectmen. Additionally, he served on the Budget Committee and School Board. He was very proud of his service on the Farmington School Board, when as its chair, he worked closely with the Thayer family to help build the new Farmington High School back in the mid-90's. Ron served in the NH legislature for a number of years and was a member of the NH Fish & Game committee. Perhaps his most cherished service was his years as a Strafford County Commissioner when he served alongside longtime friends; George Maglaris and Paul Dumont.

Ron was a communicant of St. Peter's Parish in Farmington where he served as an altar boy, lector, usher, and was the charter Grand Knight of St. Peter's Knights of Columbus Council 10662.. He was a shareholder at the Farmington Country Club for over forty years where he served on the board of directors and was a two-time club champion. He also served many years as a trustee at Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington.

Ron's passing is a loss not only to his family and friends, but a loss to Farmington, Strafford County, and the State of NH. His decades of service afforded him the opportunity to know and meet former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, First Ladies, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Governors, and many state and local officials. Public service and helping others will be his legacy.

He is survived by his two children, Joel Chagnon of Farmington and Lori Chagnon, of East Rochester, his grandson Adam Thurston of Farmington, his beloved sister-in-law, Myrtle "Mimmie" Jones of Warner Robbins, GA, many cousins, several nieces and nephews and their children, and his daily companion, his cat, Bella. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Lorraine, and his beloved brothers; Raymond, Richard, and Roland. The family extends a special thank you to his nephew, Matt Chagnon, and his lifelong friend, Marty Gilman.

A graveside ceremony with military honors will take place on Nov. 2nd at Pine Grove Cemetery at 1pm. The public is welcome. A celebration of Ron's life will take place on July 10th, 2021 on Whippoorwill Lane, Silver Lake in Shapleigh, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Lorraine's Gift" or the "Farmington Athletic Boosters" â„… Joel Chagnon, 236 Charles St. Farmington NH.