1935 – 2003

Lewiston – Raymond M. “Ben” Bernier, 68, of 146 Highland Ave. and formerly of 23 Woodside Drive, died Saturday evening, Oct. 25, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with heart and lung disease.

He was born in Lewiston June 19, 1935, the son of Theophile and Clarida Royer Bernier. He was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated in 1954 from St. Dominic Regional High School. He later attended Auburn Maine School of Commerce and Bentley College.

He married Mariette Coulombe on Sept. 3, 1956. He was a well-known building contractor who owned and operated R.M. Bernier Construction Company and built several homes in the Lewiston area.

He later worked as construction manager for Fleet Bank until his retirement in 1994 due to illness.

He was a member of Holy Cross Parish, a longtime member of the Lewiston Lodge of Elks, Prospect Hill Golf Course, Covenant 50 and Horizon 55.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and was particularly fond of watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed golfing, skiing, reading and keeping up with local news. He was especially known for his animated sense of humor, joke telling and socializing in the community.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mariette, of Lewiston; four daughters, Diane St.Laurent and her husband Richard of Lewiston, Rachel Allbritton and her husband Robert of Lake Mary, Fla., Louise Clark and her husband John of Poland Spring, and Linda Bernier of Palo Alto, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Derrick, Chantal and Lauren St.Laurent, Lindsay, Kendra and Keaton Allbritton, and Heather and Hilary Clark; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Julie Bourassa, who died two weeks ago; and two brothers, Vincent and Clem Bernier.