“NIAGARA, Wis. — Louis Harland Gignac, 78, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, after a long illness.

He was born on July 28, 1928, in Portland, Maine.

Louis served in the U.S. Navy with honor for 29 years. He was a member of Naval Patrol Squadron Twenty One (VP-21) from 1953 to 1955. After his retirement, he enjoyed being an active member and officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the 40 et 8. He volunteered wherever he was needed.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gignac, two daughters, Diane (Michael) Tanerillo of Windham, Maine, and Mary Louise Waterhouse of Portland; three sons, Philip (Janet) Gignac of Portland, Anthony Gignac of Saco, Maine, and Edward Gignac of Veazie, Maine; a stepson, Arthur Lehmann of Niagara; a stepdaughter, Christa H. Samartino of Crowley, La.; three brothers, Raymond Gignac of Prince Frederick, Md., Edward Joseph (Irene) Gignac of Owings, Md., and Perley (Frances) Hood of Merriman; three sisters, Paula (Craig) Dufresne of Felch, Linda (Warren) Anderson of Felch, and Deborah (Lloyd) Hilsabeck of Niagara; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a special dog, Scooby Doo.

Louis was preceded in death by his son, Louis Gignac Jr.; his father, Louis Gignac; his mother, Almeda Eckerberg; and three sisters, Sonja Anderson, Joan Soule, and Marie “Mary” Murphy.

Visitation will be Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Msgr. James Kaczmarek to officiate. Military rites will follow the service, and they will be accorded by the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50.”