VAN BUREN – Bertrand R. Dufour, 84, died April 19, 2011, at a Caribou hospital. Having participated in the Cursillo Movement, he is living his Fifth Day. Bert was born Nov. 16, 1926, in Presque Isle, son of Victorie and Zeline (Ouellette) Dufour.
He worked at Gagnon’s Hardware for 36 years until his retirement. Bert was also a member of Van Buren Fire Department for 17 years, a part-time officer of Van Buren Police Department for eight, and was a member of Van Buren Drum and Bugle Corps. Bert served as a director on SAD 24 school board for eight years, was trustee of Van Buren Light and Power District for 20 years, and a member of Van Buren Housing Authority for three. As an active participant of his church, he was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1635 and Fourth Degree Assembly, a member of the Third Order of Mary and Good Shepherd Affiliates. For 13 years after his retirement, Bert enjoyed volunteering in various capacities at Borderview Nursing Home. He took great pride in his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous and the countless people he helped on their road to sobriety.
Bertrand is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joan (Saucier) Dufour of Van Buren; three sons, Kenneth Dufour and his wife, Diane, of Nashua, N.H., David Dufour and his wife, Leila, of Cyr Plantation, and Duane Dufour and his wife, Judith, of Portland; one daughter, Rachel Ouellette and her husband, Michael, of Long Lake; six grandchildren, Dustin Dufour and wife, Deanna, Danielle Dufour, Chad Ouellette, Sherry Ouellette and her fiance, Jamie Theriault, Shane Dufour, and Gretchen Violette and husband, Brian; and seven great-grandchildren, Jayde and Elyssa Violette, Alex and Dylan Ouellette, Skylah Gendreau, Austin West and Matthew Dufour. Bert was predeceased by a son, Chad; a brother, Fernand; and a sister, Sister Rachel Ouellette, OSU.
Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday and 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated noon Tuesday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Interment will be later this spring in the parish cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to St. Peter Chanel Youth Ministry, 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785. To leave online condolences, please visit
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.