GIRARD — Norman L. (Frenchie) Duguay, 67, of Girard, died Thursday Dec. 4, 2008, at Pleasant Ridge Manor, where he recently resided.

He was born in Waterville, Maine, Feb. 2, 1941, a son of the late Emil and Fernaude Horth Duguay Castilloux.

Frenchie lived in Maine as a young boy and, later, in Florida and South Dakota. He moved to Erie in 1968 and worked for Lovell Mfg. for several years. He was well known throughout the area as a drummer for The Blue Jays and a Little Bit of Nashville. He also played backup for several national talents including, Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, Grampa Jones and Little Jimmy Dickens.

Frenchie was known for his caring and giving spirit, enjoyed being Santa Claus to many children and assisted Toys for Tots many years. He was also a clown with the Erie Clowns and was known as “Frenchie the Freeloader.” He was an avid hunter, enjoying many fall seasons teaching young teens his passion for the outdoors. He was also a member of Cycle City’s Ride-N Dine Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin daughters, Laura Lee and Lisa Lynn Duguay; and twin children, Renee’ and Dave Duguay.

Frenchie will be sadly missed by his family, which includes his wife of 42 years, Patricia (Patsy) Duguay, whom he married Nov. 19, 1966, in Woonsocket, S.D.; also by two daughters, Christine S. Pustelak and her husband, Gary, of Girard, Cathlene M. Duguay and her fiancé, Joshua Yates, of Butler.; four sons, John F. Duguay and his wife, Edie, of Albion, Steven E. Duguay of West Springfield, and Douglas A. and David A. Duguay of Cranesville; a sister, Vanita Muscarella of Quebec; a brother, Renaud Duguay of Quebec; 12 grandchildren, Dana and Robert Duguay, Bobbi Jo Snyder and her husband, Anthony, Tricia, Angel, Joseph, Caden and Morgan Pustelak, Wyatt Yates, Dylan Duguay, Sadie Yates and Chloe Duguay; a great-grandson, Mason Snyder; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard.

Services will be conducted there on Sunday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Daniel Young, pastor at Erie First Assembly of God, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Norman Duguay Memorial Fund, C/O Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Albion Cemetery.

To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.