Alcide Joseph Bernier

Alcide “Al” Bernier, 97, formerly of Rumford, Maine, died September 19, 2011. Though a resident of Rumford most of his life, he resided in Bath with his son and daughter-in-law, Maurice and Mildred Bernier, for the last seven years.

He was born in Rumford on May 14, 1914 the son of Napoleon and Olive Bernier. He attended St. John School in Rumford, and he also attended school in Canada.

As a young man he performed odd jobs. He enjoyed skiing and skating. As baseball continued to gain in popularity as the national pastime, he became adept as an infielder and as a pitcher. He was a dyed-in-the-wool Yankee fan. Also, he spent many delightful hours listening to Montreal Canadians games. Sports were his hobby.

He married Yvonne Godin in 1936. They had two sons, Maurice and Roger. By then, Mr. Bernier was employed in paper manufacturing and remained in that capacity for forty-five years.

His middle years were his period of greatest personal growth. He was happy to teach youngsters to skate, and he kept the Pettingill rink in good condition for many winters; he was instrumental in developing youth baseball in the community; he coached fast-pitch softball for the Knights of Columbus and became a fourth degree member of that fraternal organization; he was instrumental in forming a new Circle of Columbian Squires, the junior arm of the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Bernier believed it always necessary to be a good role model. He taught respect for institutions such as church, government, and, especially marriage.

He is survived by his sons and their spouses, Maurice and Mildred of Bath and Roger and Marilyn of Saco. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.

Mr. Bernier was pre-deceased by a brother, Joseph, who was killed in action on Luzon during W.W.II, and by his wife of forty-eight years, Yvonne.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Bath Rescue Service, the doctor, nurses, and staff of the Mid Coast Medical Center, and to the physician-assistant, nurses, CNAs, and staff of the Bodwell Unit at the Mid Coast Senior Center.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Al’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Maine PO Box 1134 Portland, Maine 04104-1134.