Belanger, Roy J., 90. Arrangements by Long Funeral Home, Camden.
CAMDEN – Roy J. Belanger, 90, a long-time resident of both Maine and Arizona, passed peacefully in his sleep at home at Quarry Hill in Camden, Maine. Roy married Omerine Chaloult in 1946, and together they had five daughters and a happy 64-year marriage, with 30 descendants as of his passing.
Roy began his career in Caribou, Maine as a potato farmer, and soon added a potato broker operation. He founded Belanger’s Farm Machinery, Inc. in 1955 as a franchise dealer of Massey Ferguson and other brands of farming equipment. He sold the business in 1977, and it continues in operation today as Crown Equipment. He won awards for Top Agricultural Dealer for New England, Pennsylvania and New York. Roy designed and built four homes, one with a unique design and efficiencies.
During those business years, Roy served in various executive functions in the community and greater New England, including the Aroostook Prestile Treatment Project, Caribou Development Corp, Maine Dirigo FFA Foundation, Holy Rosary Parish Council, Aroostook Trust Co, and New England Farm Equipment Dealer’s Association. A member of Rotary International for 40 years, Roy earned the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1998 for distinguished service.
Roy retired at age 55 and moved with Omerine from Caribou to Scottsdale, Arizona. They enjoyed golfing, played bridge, traveled 48 states, took several cruises, and simply enjoyed being together. In 2006, they moved to Camden, Maine to enjoy the seasons and return to their Maine roots. Omerine passed away suddenly in 2010. Roy courageously continued on without the love of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his many new friends at Quarry Hill retirement community.
Roy Belanger was a gentleman and a gentle man. He will be missed for his kindness and devotion to friends and family. He lived a full, happy, and successful life, and has now rejoined Omerine.
Memorial donations can be made to the ‘Roy and Omerine Belanger Scholarship’ for FFA students at Caribou High School. Calling hours were held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St., Camden. The funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2014, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Camden, followed by a reception at Quarry Hill from 1-3 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Belanger family including memorial gifts at www.long funeralhomecamden.com.
