Jean Paul R. Gadbois

Life long resident of Biddeford

Jean Paul R. Gadbois, 85, of Biddeford, passed away Saturday morning on January 15, 2022, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

He was born in Biddeford on May 7, 1936, a son of Aldeus and Cecile (Ouellette) Gadbois. He was educated from Biddeford schools.

JP was a hard working man with an extensive work resume. His work ethic started at the young age of nine, when he helped his family at the greenhouse in Biddeford, Gadbois Florist. He did carpentry work for local contractors and worked at Allied Hampshire, most of the time, working two jobs.

One winter day he met his future wife Carol at the Westbrook Skating Rink while speed skating. They were married on September 5, 1955. This began their 67 year marriage together and raising three children. Carol and JP established Majestic Flower Shop, in their community in Biddeford in 1968. They also owned and operated 25 apartment rentals. Throughout their 47 years with the flower shop and 25 years with rental apartments, they created many lasting friendships with their clients in the community that they still cherish to this day.

JP was a man ahead of his time. He lived a healthy lifestyle with diet and physical fitness throughout his life. He was an accomplished bodybuilder winning the Mr. Maine title in 1960 and was a top finisher in the Mr. Universe / Mr. America Bodybuilding Championships. JP was recognized for his potential by Ben Weider in the November 1963 issue of Muscle Builder magazine.

JP had a great love of family. He enjoyed the special times they had together. Some of their favorite escapades were with family and friends on one of the 25 cruises or in Cancun, Mexico.

With JP's passing, we remind ourselves that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him everyday, he will forever remain in our hearts.

He was predeceased by one brother Richard Gadbois, one sister Lorraine Gadbois.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol (Labbe) Gadbois, children Debra Houde and her husband Donald, Steven Gadbois and wife Nancy and Tamra Guay and husband Chris and grandchildren Carrie Magnant and her husband Kevin, Crystal Cram and her husband Jared, Tyler Sevigny and friend Lauren Couture, Nicholas Guay, Zachary Guay, Erika Fecteau and her husband Nick, Jennifer Johnston and her husband Ross and great-grandchildren Logan Magnant, Chase Magnant, Colby Cram, Hayden Cram, Abby Fecteau, Elliot, Curtis and step-great-grandchildren Kyle and Shayla.

He is also survived by siblings Therese Bourque, Roger Gadbois and Wendy Lawson, Normand Gadbois and wife Rebecca, Michael Gadbois and Ann Neumann, Denise Guay and husband Roger and Robert Gadbois and wife Simonne and many nieces and nephews.

JP will be laid to rest at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery in Biddeford. To view his memorial page, leave an online condolence or view his memorial video, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com