SACO — Louis “Red” Soucy, 87, of Saco, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, with his daughter at his bedside, at Gosnell Hospice Home in Scarborough.

Red was born in Saco on May 29, 1926, third child and son of Carroll and Florence Blake Soucy.

He attended Saco schools and married his longtime sweetheart, Lorraine Letellier, on June 21, 1947.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, he helped build the Maine Turnpike; then, he took advantage of the GI Bill and studied to become a barber. In his career of 59 years, he had barber shops in Saco, and was one of the first barbers to own a chain of barbershops in Maine at North Gate, Mill Creek and West Gate shopping centers. He genuinely loved his customers, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each person, making them laugh and learning from them.

In the 1970s, Red and his brother, Fred, owned the Rainbow Disco on Route 1 in Scarborough. Not only did hundreds of teenagers enjoy the weekend dances, but Red opened the door to the handicapped, having special dances so they, too, could know the joy of music and dancing.

Red also sang and played the guitar, entertaining thousands when he and Roland Bergeron, his best buddy and banjo player, became the Saco Troubadours. They lightened hearts all over York and Cumberland counties, singing their songs and telling jokes in more than 78 places like Wardwell, Truslow Center, Renaissance and New England Rehab; he did fundraising for many causes.

Red was a very active and giving member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Saco, participating as a trustee and on several committees. He was the creator of their monthly roast beef suppers and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the church. He and Lorraine had personal missions of visiting the sick and shut-ins, and being sure those in need had food baskets. They both believed strongly in the power of prayer, interceding for others every day.

The American Legion was an integral part of Red’s life. He served as post commander for many years, set up scholarships for Thornton graduates, increased the Post’s membership, helped honor veterans with various memorials and never missed the opportunity to march in the parades honoring veterans. Red always took time before Memorial Day to place flags on veterans’ graves at Laurel Hill, and annually met the Wreaths Across America convoy with a salute as it passed through Saco. Red believed in always honoring those who served.

How Red managed to do all the things he did is a mystery. He was a very loving husband and father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, relative and friend. He enjoyed traveling the U.S. with his wife, deer hunting, politics, history and family gatherings. He was dedicated to his family, his church and to his beloved community of Saco. After his health crisis in 2008, Saco honored Red with both the Key to the City and a “Red Soucy Day” in April of 2009.

After the death of his wife in 2013, Red moved from Weymouth Street to Wardwell Gardens, where he made new friends and quickly called it “home.” On Valentine’s Day 2014, its residents voted him “King of Wardwell.” He was very touched and honored. Interestingly, the very first and last place Red and Roland entertained was at Wardwell; and both Red and Lorraine were born months apart at a row house that used to stand where the driveway to Wardwell begins on Middle Street.

Red was a unique human being, overflowing with love and appreciation for anyone whose life touched his. He is leaving a huge void in his family’s and in Saco residents’ lives.

When Red approached the Pearly Gates, he probably had a joke for St. Peter and a song for his Heavenly Guides.

Mr. Soucy was preceded in death by: his parents; stepfather; four brothers; and one sister.

He is survived by: his daughter, Linda Worster, her husband Phil and their two children, Collin and Kelly; his and Lorraine’s “adopted” daughter, Linda Kimball Brown; three brothers, Don, Sherm and Roland “Pard” Letellier; and three sisters, Cathy Marceau, Eva Letellier and Christine Kimball.

Red is also survived by a large extended family.

At Red’s request, there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Jenkins Road in Saco, in March, with the date to be announced. A private, graveside service will be held in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco. Condolences may be offered through the mail at 41 Woodman Ave., Saco, or the guestbook at www.cotefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco. It was Red’s deep desire that instead of flowers, people donate to his beloved Cornerstone United Methodist Church.

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