from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Robert Arlen Tourangeau, 78, died April 28, 2016, surrounded by his wife and family.

He was born in Portland, Maine, on April 13, 1938, to Roland and Lilly (Hjort) Tourangeau. He attended schools in Westbrook and graduated with a degree in business administration from USM. He was a private in the Maine Army National Guard when his unit was called at the time of the Berlin Crisis. He eventually retired from the military as 2nd Lieutenant.

Mr. Tourangeau enjoyed a long and varied career in the business world. After several years of working at SD Warren, he ventured into opening a clothing store, Nice and Daffy. Being a lifelong learner, he received a masters degree in substance abuse counseling at USM. He pursued a second career where he found fulfillment in helping people. He worked many years for Day One and as an employee assistance program coordinator for Affiliated Health Care. In 1997, he started his own counseling business, Interventions Inc., where he specialized in EAP work, facilitated men’s support groups, Critical Incident Debriefing, and stress relief and motivational workshops. He was also very active in his AA community and was blessed to have celebrated 35 years of sobriety.

He pursued many community and church activities. He was a former member of the Westbrook City Council, the Maine Army National Guard and the Elks Club. He was active in the church, involved in marriage encounter and pre-cana and more currently, lector at St. Maximilian Kolbe. He volunteered at The Center for Grieving Children and at NYC’s Counseling Program on the first year anniversary of 9/11.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Tourangeau particularly enjoyed golf which led to another business venture, Clubs by T, where he custom fit and designed golf clubs for many family and friends.

His greatest passion was for his race horses. As a successful owner and breeder, he had many triumphs in the winner’s circle. He was known for his dedication and commitment to the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and served as chairman on the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board and director of the Maine State Breeders and Owners Association.

His most successful Standardbred, Terrys Star Dragon, had tremendous success his first two years and was sold at age 3 so that he could continue in a more competitive field out of state. He followed his horse’s racing career and in December, purchased this now 11-year-old gelding and brought him home to Norton Farm to finish his racing career in Maine.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jean Boucher Tourangeau; son, Robert (Bo) Jr. (Judy) and their children, Elyse, Olivia and Ariana; grandson, Benjamin; sister, Susan Driscoll; brothers, Roland (Skip) and Richard; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Terri-Anne.

The greatest joy of his life was supporting and encouraging his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them grow up to be the successful young adults they are today.

Visiting hours will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday (May 5) at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route One, Scarborough. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday (May 6) at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MSBOA Scholarship Fund (supports students of families involved in harness racing), Treasurer: Fran Hanley, 411 Legion Hall Rd., Vasselboro, ME 04989.