Leopold Valmore Giguere

WATERVILLE – Leopold Valmore Giguere passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at Woodland Assisted Living facility in Waterville.

Leopold was born on Oct. 22, 1934, to Willie and Claudianna Giguere. He attended Waterville schools through the 8th grade, then ventured to Sherbrooke, Canada, where he attended the St. Charles Borromee; which is rooted in the Catholic teaching and traditions emphasizing the development of the mind, body and spirit. After a year, Leopold returned to Waterville to finish his last three years of high school graduating in 1953. Leopold then fulfilled his duty as an American and spent four years in the United States Army.

After his service, he was hired at Metlife Insurance Company in September 1959 as an agent, eventually moving up to branch manager’s position, which he held for 31 years. Leopold was a member of the American Heart Association, serving as treasurer for many years. He serviced as chairman for the Notre Dame Credit Union as well. Leopold was very active in the Notre Dame Catholic Church assisting in the religious education program as well as singing in the choir. For many years he sang at weddings, funerals and regular weekly masses.

After his retirement from Metlife, he began a new chapter relocating to Las Vegas, Nev. with his life partner, John McNeil. He began a new career working in convention centers as a concierge plus still finding time to do volunteer work for the Heart Association as well as donating to many charities well into his 80s.

Leopold’s close friends in Las Vegas, Nev. alerted family members of his cognitive decline in early 2023. With the assistance of his nephew, Steve Giguere and his late sister-in-law, Camilla Giguere, they were able, with a little persistence, to persuade him to sell his home and relocate back to Waterville so he could be close to family. His niece, Cathy Suttie and her husband Tom were able to provide private living quarters in their home so he could still live independently as long as he could always be under a watchful eye. In February of 2025 dementia took its toll, and Leopold had to be moved to the assisted living section at the Woodlands in Waterville where he could get the care he needed.

Leopold was an avid walker, trekking to wherever his favorite “New Balance shoes” would take him. Down to the Dollar Stores in Waterville or off to the St. Francis Cemetery, he was always a man on the move. His nephew, Tom Suttie, had a few nicknames for him calling him the “frolicking Frenchman” or “Skippy” when he would see him leave the house heading out for his stroll. Sporting his ballcap through the rain and the snow, nothing held him back. He leaves with us his two favorite sayings “it’s just one of those things” and “what type of system is this”. Now that you’re gone, the Dollar Stores will not see you four times a day. The Notre Dame Church and the Blessed Sacrament will have an empty seat and forever miss your smile. The sidewalks of Waterville will forever hold the memories of those New Balance shoes that will live on forever. Remember: “It’s just one of those things.”

He was predeceased by his parents; partner, John McNeil; brothers Raymond and Rene, his sisters Theresa and her husband Larry Veilleux, Joan and husband Julien Veilleux, a sister-in-law, Camilla Giguere and brother-in-law, Earl Rancourt.

He is survived by his brother, Claude, sister, Annette Rancourt and sister-in-law, Jean Giguere, Rolande Giguere; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to his niece, Jenny Rodrique, for all his haircuts, buying his beloved New Balance shoes and her many visits. Many special thanks to Erin and Megan of Andwell Hospice for the compassionate care and comfort.

There will be a funeral service held at Notre Dame Church Aug. 2 at 9 a.m. followed by a burial at St. Francis Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome.com/.