CARIBOU – Rufus Bernard, 99, former Caribou police chief, died July 17, 2010, in Caribou. He was born Nov. 23, 1910, in Fort Fairfield, son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Lavois) Bernard. Mr. Bernard began his long career in law enforcement as a member of Fort Fairfield Police Department before joining the Maine State Police, where he served from 1942 to 1962, retiring as a sergeant. After his retirement Mr. Bernard was appointed as chief of Caribou Police Department – a position he held for 12 years. He married Eileen Murphy. Rufus was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. Almost everyone knew Rufus and almost everyone has a “Rufus story.” A truly independent man, he lived at his home on Pioneer Avenue, Caribou, until he was nearly 96 years old, when he moved to an assisted living apartment in Presque Isle. He was a longtime communicant of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and was an honorary member of Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department. He is survived by his sister, Doris Bernard of Presque Isle; his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and J. Nason Reid of Portsmouth, N.H.; his grandchildren, Kathryn Adams of Monmouth, Susan Adams of Augusta, J. Nason Reid III of Portsmouth, N.H., and Michael Reid and his wife, Dawn, of Peachtree, Ga.; and his great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Michael Jr., Lauren and Molly, all of Peachtree, Ga. Mr. Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen, in 1995; a daughter, Barbara Adams; three brothers, Wilfred, Louis and Albert; and two sisters, Hazel and Louise. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 26, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, at Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Dennis Catholic Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Bernard may do so through Caribou Police Department or Caribou Fire Department memorial fund. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
RUFUS BERNARD
