RUMFORD – John C. Rioux, 69, of Rumford, died at Rumford Hospital Wednesday, Dec. 29, with his family at his side.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1935, in St. Jean De Dieu, Quebec, the son of Bertrand and Simone (Guerette) Rioux.

His family came to Skowhegan, where he graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1954.

In 1954, he moved to Rumford to work at the Oxford Paper Company and retired from Boise Cascade in 1976.

He married Carmel Collette on Aug. 18, 1956.

He joined the Army National Guard in 1953 and retired from active duty in 1995 as a Major having served 43 1/2 years in the National Guard, active Army and Reserves.

He was a lifetime member of the B.P.O Elks 862, and held the offices of District Deputy, State President and Exalted Ruler. He was an active member of the Anah Temple in Bangor, Kora Temple in Lewiston, and the Blazing Star Masonic Lodge of Rumford. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 24 and the Kiwanis Club of Rumford.

He loved camping, fishing, hunting, family and friends. He loved music and played various instruments in the Anah Shrine Band. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and spent endless hours in his shop making all sorts of projects.

He is survived by his wife, Carmel; son, James and wife, Cathy, of Sabattus; daughters, Susan of Rumford, June and husband, Peter, of Willington, Conn.; son, Jack and wife, Lori, of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; and brother, Jack and wife, Bernice, of Deltona, Fla. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Jo-ann, Amber, Andrew, Jason, Jacob, Jonathan, Kellie, and Ryan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and will be missed by countless friends.

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