Harold E. Thivierge

BANGOR and VAN BUREN - Harold E. "Hal" Thivierge, 71, died unexpectedly June 6, 2009, at his Bangor residence. He was born Jan. 23, 1938, in Oswegatchie, N.Y., the son of Jerry and Myrtle (Finley) Thivierge. At some point early in his life, Hal realized the importance of education and received his GED the same year he would have graduated from high school. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Ricker College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Unity College and a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California. Later he taught night courses for Husson College and Northern Maine Technical Institute as an adjunct professor. Hal married the former Rita Couturier in 1965 while stationed at the Nike Site, Caswell, and they traveled to several assignments throughout the next 11 years. Hal served in the U.S. Army for nearly 21 years, retiring in 1975 as chief warrant officer. After his retirement from the Army, Hal and Rita settled in Hamlin, where they raised their family. In 1976 Hal went to work for the state of Maine and was employed by the Department of Human Services as a supervisor with the Bureau of Family Independence for more than 21 years. After his retirement from the state, Hal took it easy for a few years and when he couldn't stand the inactivity any longer he became a licensed realtor affiliated with Pro Realty of Bangor. Hal belonged to Veterans' of Foreign Wars Post No. 362, while it as active in Van Buren. After it deactivated, he joined American Legion Post No. 49 of Van Buren and was active in that post until he and Rita moved to Bangor several years ago. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 12 of Bangor. Hal is survived by his wife, Rita (Couturier) Thivierge of Bangor; three sons, Jonathan Thivierge and his wife, Nancy, of Bedford, N.H., Jayson Thivierge of Lyman, S.C., and Jeffrey Thivierge and his wife, Beth, of Groton, Conn.; one granddaughter, Makayla Thivierge; one sister, Janet Laplante and her husband, Raymond, of Brier Hill, N.Y.; two brothers, Eugene Thivierge and his wife, Patricia, of Hammond, N.Y., and Leo Thivierge and his wife, Joan, of Clarkston, Wash.; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by twin brother and sister, Carl and Caroline, who died at birth; brothers, Philip and Marcel; and sister, Laura. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Interment will be at the parish cemetery. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.