RUMFORD – John C. Rioux, 69, of Rumford, died at Rumford Hospital Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, with his family at his side. He was born Oct. 14, 1935, in St. Jean De Dieu, Quebec as the son of Bertrand and Simone (Guerette) Rioux. John’s family came to Skowhegan, where he graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1954. In 1954, he moved to Rumford to work at the Oxford Paper Company and retired from Boise Cascade in 1976. He married Carmel Collette on Aug. 18, 1956. He joined the Army National Guard in 1953, and retired from active duty in 1995, as a Major having served 43 1/2 years in the National Guard, active Army and Reserves. He was a lifetime member of the B.P.O Elks No. 862, and held the offices of district deputy, state president and exalted ruler. He was an active member of the Anah Temple in Bangor, Kora Temple in Lewiston, and the Blazing Star Masonic Lodge of Rumford. He was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 24 and the Kiwanis Club of Rumford. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, family and friends. He loved music and played various instruments in the Anah Shrine Band. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking and spent endless hours in his shop making all sorts of projects. He is survived by his wife Carmel; son James and wife, Cathy, of Sebattus; daughter, Susan of Rumford; daughter, June and husband, Peter, of Willington, Conn.; son, Jack and wife, Lori, of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; and brother, Jack and wife, Bernice, of Del tona, Fla. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Jo-ann, Amber, Andrew, Jason, Jacob, Jonathan, Kellie, and Ryan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and will be missed by countless friends. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, at S.G. Thibault Funeral Home, 250 Penobscot St. Visitation 3 p.m. Sunday, by BPOE No. 862 Rumford Lodge of Elks. Visitation 7 p.m. Sunday, by American Legion Napoleon Ouellette Post No. 24. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church. Spring interment will be in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 100 Campus Drive, Unit 107, Scarborough, ME 04074. A service of S.G. Thibault Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 250 Penobscot St., Rumford ME. 364-4366 www.dignitymemorial.com
JOHN C. RIOUX
