Guilford Normand Dube

After a year and a half battle with cancer, Gil Dube left the world on December 24th the same way he entered it 77 years before, at home with family, with a fine head of hair. True to himself until the end, Gil said he did not really see the point in his obituary, but he was gracious in approving us to write and share this with you.

Gil was born in Madawaska, Maine, the sixth of nine children of Siméon and Marthé (Michaud) Dubé. He grew up bilingual, speaking French at home and English at school. He attended the University of Maine at Orono, and his work took him to Augusta, Portland, and Boston before settling in Groton, MA, in 1987.

 In 1985, he married Marcia Melanson, and they raised two sons together and traveled widely in retirement. Gil showed family and friends he loved them with gentle ribbing and by making sure that things were taken care of. He was clever, curious, and a bit stubborn; he demonstrated respect by asking you to explain why he was wrong, though he was often hard to convince. He was quietly generous to many people and causes, including environmental protection, seeking no recognition. He was a lifelong avid bridge player, a lover of racket sports, and he took up the violin late in life. 

Gil is predeceased by his father and mother and one sibling. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Melanson, his son Alex of Burlington, VT, and his son Ben and grandson Simon Crow Dubé of Ithaca, NY. He is remembered by his son’s respective partners, Ashley Stagner and Cynthia Crowley. He is also survived by his siblings: Rachel Oulette (Abingdon ME), Gerald Dubé (Brewer, ME), Layola Moss (Arlington, MA), Lionel Dubé (Upton, MA), Eloise Batchelder (Gardiner, ME), Joel Dubé (Williston, VT) and Eldon Dubé (Quechee, VT). 

Gil did not want a funeral or a memorial service but there will be a gathering of friends and family on January 18, 2025, from 1:00PM - 4:00PM at the Prescott Community Center, on the main floor, at 145 Main St., Groton, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Devens, MA or the University of Maine Foundation. 

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA. 978-486-3709.