Fernand R. Fournier

Fernand R. Fournier, 92, of 10 Heathwood Lane, Lewiston, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023 following a long illness. Born in Lewiston on July 15, 1930 to the late Avila and Alexandra Couillard Fournier, he graduated from St. Dominic High School, Class of '49. Fern married Constance Moreau in 1952 till her passing in 1991. He is survived by a daughter, Sandi Fournier, two nephews, Mike Hebert (Lisa), their son Simon, and their daughter, Allie (Tom) and their son Levi, and his godson, Mike Cyr (Linda), whose two children, Christopher Cyr (Heather) and their son Alexander, and daughter, Angela Gilbert (Jason) called Fern "Pepere". He is also survived by his wife of 22 years, the former Anita Maheux Simard of Lewiston, two step-daughters, Claudette Simard, and Pauline McCarthy (Larry), and 7 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great grandchildren. Fern was predeceased by his sister, Mariette Hebert. He was loved by his family and they enjoyed his sense of humor.
After serving in the U.S. Army Fern transferred to the Maine National Guard, retiring as a Captain after 23 years, serving as the commanding officer of the local unit for several years. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #22. Fern was proud to be a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Council 106, and a volunteer at the Saints Peter & Paul Basilica performing many different functions including assisting the priests at masses. Fern was employed as a sales manager with Benson & Sullivan and Pine State Trading of Augusta for 36 years. His last employer was Hebert Construction.
Fern enjoyed making puzzles, being outdoors gardening, riding a lawn tractor, pontooning, and taking part in the annual loon count on Tacoma Lakes. He spent many hours working in his shop as a "furndr".
Services will be Saturday, January 28, 11 AM, in the Lower Church of SS. Peter & Paul Basilica followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240. Memories may be shared at www.albert-burpee.com.