SCARBOROUGH — Butch Tanguay, 71, died May 21 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

He was born Dec. 7, 1943, in Portland, the son of Edmond G. and Phyllis A. (Brigham) Tanguay. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time on Prouts Neck at the cottages of his grandfathers.

Butch graduated from South Portland High School in 1961, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from Gorham State Teachers College, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Miami.

Inspired by his father, who served in the U.S. Army Band during World War II, Tanguay played saxophone for the U.S. Air Force Band, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Later, he played in a band that toured with hit vocal group The Platters, and on cruise ships that featured well-known musical acts.

After returning to Maine, he played with many bands in the Portland area, and was known as “St. Gerard” because of the patience he displayed in any circumstance. He also worked as a security guard at the Portland International Jetport.

Tanguay is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Scarborough, and her daughter, Ginny; his daughter, Dori Tanguay, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; sister, Maureen Tanguay; sister, Ann Gammon and husband, Dana, of Windham, and their children, Lynn and husband, Tom Roberge, of Gray, Lara Maloney and Michael Gammon, of South Portland; and brother, George Tanguay, wife Carolina and their children, Bryant and Andrew, of Raymond. He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews, Brianne Maloney, Jacob Maloney, Owen Maloney, Cameron Roberge, Logan Gammon and Sawyer Gammon.

A private graveside service was to be held at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery, in Westbrook.

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