STANDISH — Rev. Norman Rust, 77, of Standish, passed away on June 11, 2016, surrounded by his family, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The son of Warren and Sarah (Burpee) Rust, he grew up on the Rust Farm in Gorham, before attending the University of Southern Maine, followed by Bangor Theological Seminary. Norman served many of Maine's communities, including Waterford, in his 52 years as a minister for the U.C.C. and the Congregational Christian Council of Maine. Norman would think nothing of driving 200 miles to conduct services at three different parishes in a single day. He was devoted to helping people, regardless of their circumstances or origins and he had a laugh that could light up a room. He was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Oxford Chapter 168, and Chaplain Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of Maine.

He was a loving husband of 52 years to his wife Betty, and proud father to his children, Brian and Barbara. He adored his three grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.

Norman is survived by his beloved wife Betty; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Rust; sister, Nancy Adams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the West Gorham Union Church, 190 Ossipee Trail (Route 25) Gorham. A luncheon will follow.

Please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com to view Norm’s online tribute and to sign his guestbook.

Donations in Norm’s memory may be made to: The West Gorham Union Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 854, Gorham, ME 04038.