SOUTH PORTLAND — Roger L. Belanger, 84, died April 23.
He was born in Westbrook, Feb. 8, 1925, the son of Emile J. and Doris (Buotte) Belanger.
After attending Westbrook schools, he joined the U.S. Army in February, 1943, serving in the European Theatre of Operations with the Office of Strategic Services.
He attended the University of Southern Maine, majoring in industrial arts technology.
He was employed at The Borden Co., South Portland Engineering Co., The Baker Co., and Prudential.
In 1955, he started building historic sailing ship models and miniature furniture, a hobby he continued throughout his life. He was considered an authority on model building, and his miniature ships and furniture models are in many museums and private collections throughout the U.S.
He had a lifelong love for trains and after he retired, he fulfilled his dream of building a scale model railroad. His model railroad was featured in Model Railroad Magazine as well as Fine Scale Modeler. His models won numerous first place and best of the show awards in national competitions.
He was a member of the O.S.S. Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars and attended the South Portland Congregational Church.
He was predeceased by a grandson, Nathan Taylor and a sister, Jean Leighton.
He is survived by his wife Joyce H. Belanger; two sons, Lee E. Belanger and his wife Sue of Waterville and Brian D. and his wife Cindy of Oakland; uncle Everett Buotte of Westbrook; stepdaughter Susan J. Taylor of South Portland and stepson Gary W. Taylor and his wife Carol of Windham; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and cousins.
Memorial services were held earlier this week.
Memorial donations may be sent to VNA & Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106 or to the Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath, ME 04530.
Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.
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