WALLAGRASS - Norman P. Desjardins, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 25, 2021, at a health care facility after a brief illness.  He was born in New Canada, Maine, on July 31, 1931, the first of six children of Vin and Adrienne (Jacques) Desjardins.

He was married to Irma (Fournier) on October 27, 1951.  Norman was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ti-Ma of 66 years, and his parents.  He is survived by his five children, Karen (Gerald) Cyr from Madawaska, Debbie Desjardins from Greenville, Claire (Ernest, Jr.) Voisine from Bristol, CT, Bruce (Gail) Desjardins from Wallagrass, and Kim (Julie) Desjardins from Westbrook, and his siblings, Dolly Morin from Hermon, Betty Martin from Winslow, Leslie (Rena) Desjardins from Charlestown, RI, Connie (Eugene) Gassner from Indianapolis, IN, and Peter (Rita) Desjardins from Brunswick, ME.  His six grandchildren, Keith Cyr, Betsy Palmisano, Kelly Paradis, Chad, Troy & Cory Desjardins, in addition to his ten great grandchildren, Adam and Mattie Cyr, Ashley Palmisano, Samantha & Connor Paradis, Haley Desjardins, Jemma Desjardins & Jackson Dube, and Kensley & Tatum Desjardins brought many happy memories and always gave him "something" to look forward to.  His little firecrackers "p'tits petard" brought great joy to him!  His new fur buddy, Minou, who always kept him company as Norman read his "favorite" books, will miss his treats and tender touch!

Norman grew up in New Canada on a potato farm, where he learned his "strong" work ethic.  After his marriage to Irma, they raised their family in Wallagrass and taught his children the importance of hard work and encouraged them to go after what they want in life.  Working in the lumber industry was his passion:  he owned and operated a logging truck for 33 years, a crane slasher for 3 years, and later a cedar mill, which he and Irma ran behind their home for 5 years.

Never one to stay idle long, Norman spent many hours in his workshop building cedar strip canoes, bird houses, wall hangings, Adirondack chairs, and foldable tables, which he always gave away to his friends and family with pride.  He was a positive role model to all who knew him!  Norman was a member of the Knights of Columbus (3rd degree), Senior Citizens' Club, Slybrook Snoriders/Trailblazers Club and actively participated in many of their functions and fundraisers.  Some of his enjoyments during his retirement years were reading, gardening, snowmobiling, and hunting in the northern Maine woods (legal and otherwise).  Spending time with his family was his favorite hobby, this included fishing, four wheeling, and wood working with his grandkids, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and neighborhood children.  Norman was loved and respected by many people!  I am sure he is picking all of the fiddleheads in heaven and is enjoying Ti Ma's homemade ployes and mincemeat pie.  Because of his cheerful, good-natured personality, he will be surely missed by his family and coffee buddies!  Enjoy driving that big truck of yours up to the city of God, Big Red!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Slybrook Snowmobile/Trailbrazer Club, P. O. Box 68, Wallagrass, ME 04781 and Senior Citizens Center, 20 Pine Street, Fort Kent, ME 04743.  Arrangement have been entrusted to Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home.