Normand J. Cantin

LEOMINSTER- Normand J. Cantin, age 81, of Leominster died Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at UMass Memorial Hospital Worcester after a brief illness. Mr. Cantin was born September 12, 1933 the son of the late Alfred and Alice (Chapdelaine) Cantin. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Beatrice (Bergeron) Cantin, his brother Leo Cantin and sisters Therese (Cantin) Stange and Jeannine (Cantin) Bergeron. Mr. Cantin was a lifelong resident of Leominster. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School. He served in the US Army with Service Company 20th Infantry Regiment as a radio operator at Fort Kobbe, Canal Zone, Panama. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. He often told stories of his exploits in Panama. He worked in shipping and receiving for Borden Chemical for 32 years prior to his retirement. He will be remembered for his “gift” of storytelling and for his very offbeat sense of humor. Many a groan could be heard upon his recounting the story of “The Galooch”.  Conversations often started with “Did I ever tell you about the time…” He enjoyed boating and over the years built several craft. Many an enjoyable summer was spent sailing on Lake Shirley and Salem Harbor. He was also an avid football fan and on any given weekend in the fall he would be following several games at once. He would have loved watching the Pats win their 4th Super bowl. He leaves one daughter, Barbara (Cantin) Cormier and her husband, Gary of Barrington, NH, an aunt, Fleurange Bachand of Leominster and many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held Saturday, February 7, at 10:00 A.M. in Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster. Calling hours are Friday, February 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 7, from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. $(document).ready(function(){ }); Charitable donations may be made in Normand's memory to the following organizations: American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210Tel: 617 482 4580 American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA. 01701-4688Tel: Tel: 800 662 1701