Roger E. Morel, 87

Roger E. Morel, 87

GILFORD — Roger E. Morel, 87, passed from this life's journey at home on April 20, 2016.

Roger was born in Franklin on Aug. 14, 1928, to Ernest and Angeline (Jacques) Morel.

Roger is survived by the love of his life of almost 47 years, Claire (Jacques) Morel, whom he referred to as his "Angel;" Claire's son, David Chandronnait, whom Roger loved and raised as his own son, and David's life partner, Kathy Hamel; his "daughter" Dianne (Bousquet) Chandronnait, whom he adored, and her partner, Robert Cunningham, who held a special place in his heart and also shared his birth date; sons Robert and Steven Morel; the joy of his life, his cherished grandson, Michael Chandronnait; precious great-grandson, Jacob Chandronnait, and Jacob's mother, Jasmine Angers, who offered loving support; his beloved brother, Leo and wife Dorothy Morel of New Jersey; his special sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Jacques) Gagne and Edna Jacques; many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his godchild with Claire, Deborah (Brazeau) Auger, who was a light in their lives, reason for many smiles, much laughter and unending support. He also leaves behind his good neighbors over the years and many friends, especially Mary Oswalt, his treasured best friend and bowling partner over the years, who was of great comfort to him and his family. His faithful dog, Champ, will also miss him.

In addition to his parents, Roger was predeceased by his siblings Raymond, Aime and Lucille; and, sadly, by four of his six children, Deborah, Roger, Diane and Susan.

Roger was an original employee of Sawyer's Dairy Bar and he worked alongside his father doing carpentry.

In 1945, during World War II, he enlisted with the Navy and later served in the Army National Guard.

He was a proud member of the Laconia American Legion, VFW and Elks, and along with his dear friend, the late Albert Langley, was a founder and member of the Lakes Region Pool League.

Roger had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying small-engine planes.

As a meticulous tool and dye maker, he worked locally in the machining industry, retiring from N.H. Ball Bearing in 1986 when he would start his own shop from his home.

He enjoyed motorcycle riding with his son David and with his wife and friends. At Christmastime, he and Claire enjoyed decorating their home for their grandsons and neighbors. Traveling over the years with his wife, their cousin Anita Brazeau, brother Leo and wife Dottie, close friends Al and Madeline Langley and other friends gave him great pleasure. Hawaii, Las Vegas and Canada were among his favorite destinations.

Meeting and visiting with his brother and sister-in-law at Foxwoods in Connecticut, were also special times. Photography was a hobby as well as playing golf and bowling on his bowling league at Funspot.

In addition to teaching Michael mathematics at a young age and playing computer games, he enjoyed both teaching him and challenging him at games of golf, bowling, billiards and cribbage. Attending Mike's various sporting events over the years and more recently, attending Jacob's, gave him great pleasure. They shared so many special memories together as he was his pride and joy.

As someone who loved wildlife, Roger enjoyed using his machinery to hand-craft various designs of wooden bird houses which he gave to friends. His happiest, most recent memory, was when Claire, Lorraine and Dianne, along with two of his fellow "birthday buddies," Bob and Donnie, surprised him with a birthday airplane ride and he was thrilled when the pilot allowed him to take the reins for a while.

He also had a green thumb and loved vegetable gardening. Over the last two seasons, his mentoring and family's assistance allowed him to still enjoy his garden. Jacob loved rides on the lawn mower with "Great-Grampa," being a helper, continuing the tradition of sleep-over/movie nights, and playing games and puzzles on the computer together.

Roger's greatest wish was for children to feel cherished and experience laughter each day. His smile, laughter and hugs that made us all feel so special will be missed but forever imprinted on our hearts and in our minds.

As a man of personal faith and complete trust in God, per his request, there will be no calling hours.

A private service will be held at a later date officiated by his nephew, the Very Rev. Marc Gagne, V.F.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger's memory to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 6123, Laconia NH 03246, or The Central NH VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main St., Laconia NH 03246.

Wikinson-Beane- Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.