GARDINER - Albert E. Truman, age 72, of Gardiner, left this world to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. After a short but heroic battle against pancreatic cancer, Albert passed peacefully at his home with his wife of 51 years by his side.Albert was born March 1, 1939, in South Paris, the son of Sherlock D. and Erva L. (Rice) Truman. Albert was a hard working gentleman for many years at Gardiner Shoe and then Yorktowne/Mercer Paper Mill. Upon retirement and before becoming ill, he enjoyed his part-time job taking care of the Gardiner Public Library, which fit him well because of his dedicated love of books and reading. Albert had been a volunteer firefighter in Gardiner and also served some time in the Maine National Guard. He was a graduate of Gardiner Area High School.He was predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Elsie G. Elliott, Marion A. Truman and Bertha L. Veniot; one brother, Everett G. Truman; and son-in-law Donnie P. Bussey.Surviving are his wife Tekla (Pushard) Truman of Gardiner; daughter Vickie L. Bussey of Sidney; son Barry E. Truman and wife Stephanie of South Gardiner; daughter Lisa M. Boucher and husband Howard of Chelsea; and son Michael K. Truman and wife Nancy of Caribou. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Jessica Truman and her significant other Edward Robinson; Jennice R. Truman and her significant other Kasey Johnson; Jacob E. Truman and Alexander J. Bussey. In addition there are four surviving great-grandchildren: Kaycie M. Truman, Trevor P. Johnson, Holdyn E. Robinson, and Mason M. Robinson. Albert has two surviving brothers: Robert Truman of South Gardiner and Howard Truman and his wife Ellen of Gardiner.Special and grateful thanks for the excellent care and support go to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Alfond Center for Cancer Care and the Maine General HealthReach Hospice.At his request, after cremation there will be a time of remembrance and condolences to the family on Saturday, March 12, from 2-5 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Albert's memory may be sent to the Alfond Center for Cancer Care, Augusta; Maine General HealthReach Hospice, Augusta; or Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner.