K. Eugene Fournier

AUGUSTA -- K. Eugene Fournier was born to Joseph and Harriet Peach Fournier on Dec. 26, 1924. He was 86 years old when he died April 27, 2011, of complications due to a stroke he suffered a few days prior.

He was born and raised in Marblehead, Mass., but came to Maine in the 1950s to pursue a special ministerial work as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He first went to Houlton to teach people there the beautiful truths found in the Bible, but after a few years settled in Augusta area, where he spent the majority of his life. He balanced his active ministry with his work as a bookkeeper at the Senator Inn.

Not only did he enjoy teaching the Bible, he also loved taking advantage of Bible instruction at international conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses. He went all over the world to such places as Japan, Australia, Hawaii, Kenya, Fiji, South America, Tonga and many more. His love for travel combined with his amiable personality made it easy for him to make friends worldwide. As K. was the very picture of hospitality, he loved playing host to his many international and local friends in the faith. He was an excellent cook and liked to experiment on his guest with creative recipes.

Another lifelong passion he had was with flowers, especially roses. His home in Augusta was well known for its colorful and abundant blooms, and neighbors and passersby wouldn't just admire them; they had to let him know in person or with a note just how much they enjoyed the beauty he created in his tiny yard. One neighbor even took pictures of his garden and presented him with a collage he proudly hung on his wall.

K. remained single all his life, but was part of a large, spiritual family who loved him dearly and who were of great assistance to him in his waning years. Neighbors who lived close by also showed a kindly interest in him and that was greatly appreciated by all.

K. was predeceased by his only sister, Beverly, and her husband, Lauri Aho, of Massachusetts and Florida; and is survived by a nephew and his wife, Joseph and Phyliss Aho, of Florida.

Much more could be said about K.'s kind, good-natured personality and his readiness to laugh and tell stories. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we are comforted in knowing he rests safely in Jehovah God's memory, awaiting a resurrection to a paradise on earth. We invite you to learn more about this wonderful hope by attending his memorial service. Memorial arrangements will be May 14 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 43 Eastern Ave., Augusta.