Madawaska, Maine – Rudolph Daigle, 94, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, following a brief stay at High View Manor.

Rudolph (Rudy) and his twin brother Roderick (Rod) were born to Irene and Leona (Martin) Daigle of Fort Kent, the middle children of six. Raised on the Daigle family farmlands, Rudy graduated from Fort Kent High School before serving in the U.S. Army Armored division from 1953-55. Stationed in Austria during the Korean War, he achieved the rank of corporal. His natural mechanical aptitude led him into a tank recovery unit – skills that would define both his professional life and personal interests. Upon returning to the St. John Valley, he met and later married Leola (Bouchard) Daigle.

After serving in the military, Rudy and Rod founded Twin’s Service Station in Fort Kent. Rudy later worked for the Fort Kent Town Garage before joining Fraser Paper Ltd., in Madawaska where he worked as a Millwright until his retirement in 1994.

In the 1960’s and 70’s Rudy and Leola loved attending square dances in the Valley, serving a term as President of the Fort Kent Squares. Rudy was also “master of the lawn” and enjoyed “re-foresting” the family home on Fox Street house, which they built upon moving to Madawaska in 1971.

Motorcycling was in his blood, a passion that began with his first Indian motorcycle and continued through a series of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Rudy and Leola spent many years riding Harley, often accompanied by Rod and his wife Lucienne. Rudy and Leola also traveled to Europe and Florida in retirement.

Rudy volunteered with the ATV club for many years and took pride in his volunteer work as trail groomer for the Madawaska High School ski team in the years before Four Seasons Club opened. He was a degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifelong member of the American Legion & VFW, in both Fort Kent & Madawaska, and a past Post Commander of VFW Post 9609, Fort Kent, Maine

In later years, Rudy enjoyed morning coffee sessions at Tim Horton’s and stayed active with early morning “work outs” at the gym at Madawaska High School as recently as last year. In 2020, he also returned to road riding on a Can-Am three-wheeler Spyder, becoming a familiar sight on the local roadways and in Madawaska parades.

Rudy was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Leola, on November 8, 2020. Rudy is survived by one sibling, Joan Kent and her husband, Tom of Madawaska, his children, Denise (Banach) and husband, David of Shrewsbury, MA, son Mark and his wife Diane (Dion) of Manchester, ME, son Ross and partner/girlfriend, Dawn Renee of Manchester NH and Chelmsford, MA respectively, and son Steve and wife Amy (Clatworthy). Rudy also had four grandchildren, Laurel Banach of Worcester, MA, Sean Daigle and wife, Rachel, of Fairbanks, AK, Jill Banach of Needham, and Alec Daigle of Cle Elum, WA.

A wake will be held on Thursday, April 16 from 6-8 PM at Lajoie Funeral home in Madawaska. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday,  April 17, 2026 at St. Thomas Church in Madawaska.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.lajoiefuneralhome.com or to Rudy’s Facebook account.