SANFORD — Gilles Jean Marchand, 60, of Sanford, died on Tuesday, July, 1, 2014 at Pine Point Center in Scarborough.

Gilles was born in Canada on July 14, 1953 to Adrien and Rose (Bernier) Marchand.

His family moved to the United States when he was a young boy and eventually settled in Sanford, where he grew up and attended local schools.

He was employed for many years at Vishay Sprague in Sanford until the company relocated, and he went on to work for several years as a mechanic at Dover Marine until he had to retire due to declining health.

Gilles was a muscle car enthusiast and could often be found out in his garage working on his 1971 Plymouth Duster. He was a quiet man who enjoyed spending time at home with his family and was particularly fond of his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a kind-hearted person who was always willing to help somebody in need. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Gilles was preceded in death by: his father,

Adrien Marchand.

He is survived by: his mother, Rose Marchand of Sanford; two children, Danielle Lyons and her husband Jeff of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Aaron Marchand and his wife Candace of North Berwick; two siblings, Lillian Lovejoy and her husband Steve of Sanford and Dennis Marchand and his companion Sue Roy of Sanford; four grandchildren, Alexander Marchand, Cody Marchand, Levi Lyons and Ezekiel Lyons; his uncle, Oscar Bernier of Sanford; his special friend, Cheryl Morrissey of Sanford; and many other extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5 at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home located at 29 Winter St. in Sanford. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Cemetery located on Berwick Road in Sanford. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.