Raymond E. Bernier

BERNIER, Raymond E. "Ray" Of Walpole, formerly of Westbrook, ME, Nov. 30, age 74. Beloved husband of Suzanne (Mushreau) of 52 years. Devoted father of Rhonda Jones and her husband Frederick of Sharon, Raymond Jeffrey Bernier and his wife Barbara of Allen, TX and Kristen Bernier of Jamaica Plain. Cherished brother of Constance Theriault, Patricia Smith, Elaine Sullivan and John all of Maine, Paul of AZ and the late Richard, Philip and Venita Cutter. Loving "Pepere" of Patrick, Kevin, Brooke and Bobby. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Ray was the son of (late) Fernande (Fortin) and Odilon  Bernier, and grew up in Wesbrook, Maine, with his eight siblings. He attended Saint Hyacinths Elementary School, and graduated from Cheverus High School in Portland in1956, where he played baseball and football. He graduated from University of Maine at Orono in 1961 as an engineering physics major. He married Suzanne, began his family and started his career as a sales engineer with Honeywell Computer in Framingham, Massachusetts. He worked in sales management for several companies (Data General, Prime Computer) while the high tech field expanded through the 60's and 70's. He later developed his business, 'Educational Aids' providing educational supplies to teachers. While raising his family in Walpole, Ray coached youth baseball and attended countless hockey, soccer, tennis and cheerleading events with his children.  In his retirement, he volunteered as an ESL tutor, and enjoyed substitute teaching, most notably at Walpole High School for many years, where he was affectionately referred to as "Mr. Ray".

Ray was known by his family and friends for his intellectual curiosity, athletic passion and his personal humor, wisdom, sensitivity, kindness and humility.  From a large family, Ray was in the habit of reaching out to family and friends and made himself available for support and encouragement whenever needed.  With his inquisitive nature, he enjoyed exploring museums, traveling and learning about new cultures. His passion for sports and love of children made him an avid fan and beloved personal coach of his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by so many whose lives he touched.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, December 5, from 4-8PM at the Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common St., WALPOLE, MA. Relatives and friends invited. Interment will be private at family's request. A memorial service will be held in Westbrook, ME at a later date. Please, in lieu of flowers all donations in Mr. Ray's memory can be made to Walpole Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 5, South Walpole, MA 02071. For directions and online guestbook please visit thomasfuneralhomes.com.

Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home
Walpole, MA
tel: 508-668-0154

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