RUMFORD – Andrew “Norman” Viger died in Rumford on Feb. 26, after a long struggle with illness. He passed away at his home with his loving wife of 43 years and his devoted granddaughter by his side.

Born in Portland on Aug. 25, 1936, to George Viger and Aldine (Richards) Viger, he grew up on Swett Avenue with his eight siblings.

He attended Mexico schools and played varsity sports for Mexico High School.

After his graduation in 1955, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was proud to serve his country in a long and distinguished career, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

While visiting home on leave, he met the love of his life, Marie Richard of Rumford. After a yearlong courtship through letters, they were married and she became his traveling companion. They were stationed in Germany for many years and visited much of Europe together and with their daughter, Andrea.

In 1979, after 24 years of service, he retired from the Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho as a senior master sergeant. He and his family traveled back East to family and friends.

He was then employed at the Boise Cascade Paper Company, where he worked in the storeroom for most of his time, until he retired from Mead in January of 2000.

Though he visited many beautiful and exotic places in the world, no place was as beautiful to him as the great Maine woods.

He was never happier than when he was outside bird hunting, riding his four-wheeler, paddling his canoe or skiing. His love of Maine’s wilderness stayed in his heart long after his body was no longer able to enjoy it.

He was active in the Webb River Valley Sportsman’s Club and was a member of the VFW and a communicant of St. John’s Church, where he used to volunteer and teach Sunday school.

He also spent several years working tirelessly for the Pulp and Paper Resource Council so he could preserve the woods he loved and teach others about their worth and diversity.

He was an avid reader with a deep interest in history. He loved to learn new things. He was a teacher and mentor to many.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his friends and family. Whether visiting in Rangeley, having breakfast with his aunt, Amelia Richards, on Sunday mornings, or hanging out in Vermont with his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter (the light of his life), he was always surrounded by many who loved him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his vast generosity and his kind and gentle heart.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Andrea (Viger) Jones and her husband, Daniel, of Walden, Vt.; and his eight-year-old granddaughter, Natalie Jones.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Marie (Viger) Kelly of Salem, Mass.; and a brother, Wilfred “Billy” Viger of Colorado.