Daniel Robert Ayotte, Sr, our tough Marine who battled until the end, passed peacefully at home in Windham with his wife Lucy and daughters Shannon and Kandra, April 27, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born in Hamlin Plantation, Aug. 22, 1941, the 11th child of O'Neil Ayotte and Martha (Roy) Ayotte. He grew up French-speaking and at age 7 his father passed, which made it necessary that he go live at a convent in Lewiston for a year, then for a time with his sister Francine. He attended Cony High School, leaving to join the Marines for 4 years to include the Korean conflict. He was stationed in Newfoundland and then Camp Lejeune, NC. He married Elizabeth (Lisa) Emberley, and started their family in NC, later moving to Augusta. Six years later, he married Shirley (Brunelle) and had three children. 53 years after being high school sweethearts, he married Lucille (MacLean) who gave him 11 years of great care, support and many fun hours of cribbage and canasta. After his 4 years in the Marines, he worked driving tractor trailer for Merrill Transport, Sears Roebuck as an installation specialist and then as a self-employed general contractor specializing in excavation, foundations and moving buildings, and of course snow removal and carpentry. The last few years, he kept busy making apple crates and bird houses and cutting firewood. Dad knew the meaning of service and spent most of his adult life serving in the American Legion as an Adjutant, District Sergeant of Arms, and finally as State Commander 2010/11 traveling to National Conventions and every post in Maine. He tirelessly defended the proper display and decommission of the American Flag, and he was not afraid to let you know when it was improper or too worn to display. He was very proud of his French/Canadian heritage and was a part of Voiture 40/80, serving as Professor Frog and was also a proud life member of Le Club Calumet, earning the nickname "Super Sleuth". Our dear Dad is survived by his wife Lucille Ayotte, his brother Bertrand Ayotte, children Daniel Ayotte Jr, Suzette Ayotte, Kandra Ayotte-Foster & husband Daniel, Darren Ayotte, Shannon Ayotte and grandchildren Landon, Evan and Chase. Cats Zoey and Rebel provided great comfort to him right to the end and I am sure, along with all of his relatives welcoming him at the gates of Heaven, Simi one of his favorite cats, was there to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge. Dad was a lover of all animals, even feeding and making a little house for a mouse that kept him company in the woodworking shop. He also was known to "procure" old donuts from a local shop to feed to their resident ravens and crows, which he very much enjoyed. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings; Alyre, Mildred, Alphedore, Clarence, Jeannette, Mona, Francine, Dominique, and Laurianne. Thanks go out to the wonderful group of veterans & friends that he met with regularly at Market Basket for coffee and donuts, who picked him up in his last few weeks to enjoy one last gathering. He made a dear friend Larry who he spent many hours with tinkering and learning about "off the grid" projects. Lastly, we thank the Northern Light Hospice social workers, nurses, aides and chaplain who provided so much loving care and support to our dad and family. A Hero's Welcome by Robert Longley Time to come home dear brother Your tour of duty through You've given as much as anyone Could be expected to do. Just a few steps further The smoke will start to clear Others here will guide you You have no need to fear You have not failed your brothers You clearly gave it all And through your selfless actions Others will hear your call So, take your place of honor Among those who have gone before And know you will be remembered For now and evermore. There will be a Celebration of Life & luncheon at the Calumet Club in Augusta at 11am on Thursday, May 30th for family and friends. Please bring along stories to share. His interment will be at a later date at the Veteran's Cemetery with military honors.