REGINALD OMARE FOURNIER

JACKMAN – Reginald Omare Fournier, born June 2, 1928, at Long Pond, went to prepare to meet the Lord Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006, due to illness. He knew that someday he would be in heaven because he always said he was “too green to burn!” Reggie was the fourth and most challenging child of Ivan and Florence (Rancourt) Fournier. He was a 1946 graduate of Forest Hills High School, Jackman. Reggie enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and served as petty officer third class/teleman; communication specialist for the US Mount Olympus AGC, the US Monrovia APA31, and the US Taconic AGC17 from Oct. 6, 1948 to Aug. 21, 1952. These were the proudest years of his life, which continued to inspire his personal interests and community service. Reggie was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post No. 122 with more than 50 years and was a past commander. Reggie faithfully called bingo for the legion for more than 25 years every Friday night come rain, sleet, or snow. He also volunteered with his sister, Rena, to call bingo at the local nursing facility. Reggie worked odd jobs for the CP railroad and in lumbering until finally landing a career with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a clerk for 21 years in Jackman. Many relatives always wanted Reggie to visit, but due to his extremely heavy workload, he couldn’t get “the week” off: Reggie worked only 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Reggie enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching TV, the Bangor Daily News “What is it?,” telling stories of any genre, and gardening. On a slow planting year, he would only manage to plant about 1,700 onion bulbs. Being patriotic, he grew red, white, and blue potatoes. When it came to historical stories, Reggie was infallible for details. Many from the community would go to Reggie to find an answer regarding a family member or distant relative. Reggie was an ace at fiction storytelling, usually to an unsuspecting listener. He had one of the largest “da gizmo dere” vocabulary collections. Reggie loved conversation and was once asked if he talked to himself. He replied, “Oh, yes. I like to talk to intelligent people.” After many years of being wary of his stories, one always questioned validity. His last story, which most regarded as another whopper, was in fact true: a Norwegian blonde beauty named Marie really did hug and kiss him at the Sea Dog in Bangor. His last big adventure was to Arlington and Gettysburg in April 2006 to view the Vietnam Wall, the Korean Memorial, and where the Maine Regiment stood ground. Wearing his legion hat proudly, he was moved by young and old approaching to thank him for services in the military. Though not a man of many means, Reggie repaid favors with one of his delicious homemade apple pies. His kitchen lights could be seen burning 2-3 a.m. on many occasions because he was baking five to six pies at once. His pies have been enjoyed from Maine to California and internationally. Reggie was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Jackman. He served as an Eucharistic minister and collector. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus – Fourth Degree. Reggie was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Ronald and Rudolph Fournier. Reggie is survived by his sister, Mary Rena and husband, Ernest Parent, of Moose River; and two brothers and their wives, Raymond W. and Virginia and Rudolph A. and Annette Fournier, all of Bangor; and a sister-in-law, June Fournier of Ashland. He was an uncle to 15 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and great-nephews and 16 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Reggie opened his home at any hour to family and friends. He always said good-bye with “Don’t forget to stop home again.” Visitation hours will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Father Forest Crystal Ballroom at St. Anthony’s Church, Jackman. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at St. Anthony’s Church. A reception after the service will be held at “da, da, da, da, a viande,” the Fr. Forest Hall. All are welcomed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reggie’s memory to the St. Anthony’s Capital Campaign Fund, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 338, Jackman, ME 04945. Arrangements are by Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St., Bingham. A quote befitting Reggie is “A friend is someone you meet for a moment, know for an hour, and cherish a lifetime.” – anonymous. Reggie will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him. Now … everything is copasetic!