RUMFORD – Calvin E. Gurney, 78, widower of Viola C. “Vicky” (Theriault) Gurney of Wyman Hill Road, died Saturday, Nov. 6, at his home with his family and his beloved cat, “Kiya,” at his side, following a long battle with emphysema.

He was born in Hartford, on Nov. 28, 1925, a son of Dexter and Doris (Holland) Gurney. “Cal” was educated in local schools.

He served in the U.S. Navy and was in the Invasion of Southern France where he was injured and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also served in the South Pacific Theater and was discharged in 1946.

He was employed for 40 years with the Boise Cascade Paper Group, retiring in 1986 as a machine tender on No. 7 and No. 8 paper machines.

He was a life-member of the American Legion. He was a member of the VFW, Purple Heart Association, L.C. I. Association, Rumford Lodge 826 BPOE, Fraternal Order of Eagles Rumford Aerie 1248, Le Paresseux Snowshoe Club.

He enjoyed playing cards, deer, bobcat and rabbit hunting, fishing, snowshoeing and skiing. He was an avid sports fan who loved to follow the New York Yankees.

He especially loved watching his grandchildren participating in their sporting events.

He is survived by two sons, Glenn Gurney and wife, Debbie, of Dixfield, Jeffrey Gurney and companion, Donna Weston, of Dixfield; a daughter, Carrie A. Puiia and husband, Stephen, of Dixfield; a brother, Allen Gurney, of Rumford; five grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan, Katie and Craig Gurney, and Jessica Puiia; and one great-grandchild, DeVarae Gurney.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Pete and Robert.

A special thank you to Franklin Bank, his caregivers at Hospice, Tammy and Allison, his special friend, Jim Kenney, and the girls at the VA Clinic.

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