ASHLAND, ME – Norman C. Labbe, 95, died peacefully Saturday, December 3, 2016, following a long illness. He was born December 2, 1921, in Wallagrass, a son of the late Willie and Veronique Labbe and was a graduate of Fort Kent High School.
Following high school, Norman was a guide for Michaud Camps and later worked at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut for several years. He enlisted with the US Army during World War II. He returned to Ashland where he worked as a Station Agent with the B&A Railroad for many years until his retirement in the 1980’s. He established a tree farm in Wallagrass during the late 1950’s, which earned recognition from MPBN as Tree Farmer of the Year in 1982. The tree farm continues to serve the University of Maine-Fort Kent Forestry program. Norman was well known in the Ashland area as the “Tax Man” and assisted hundreds of residents in preparing their tax papers for well over 50 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the American Legion. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds at Portage Lake Country Club and many courses around the state. Norman also enjoyed all the Maine Woods had to offer and spent many days hunting and fishing.
He is survived by: his loving wife of over 70 years, Rella (Furlong) Labbe of Ashland; two children, Carol Labbe of Wallagrass and William “Bill” Labbe and his wife Pam of Tampa, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Norman is predeceased by a young daughter, Mary Elizabeth Labbe in 1963, and his two siblings, Lucille Gilbert and Herman Labbe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, at St. Marks Catholic Church, Allen Farm Rd., Ashland. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Eagle Lake. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com
