RUMFORD – Lester A. Van Lieu, 87, of Pine Street in Rumford, died Nov. 21, at his home.

He was born on Dec. 18, 1919, in Mars Hill. He was adopted by his loving parents, William and Theo Van Lieu and later his stepmother, Goldie (Gordon) Van Lieu.

He graduated from Mexico High School in 1937, and went on to proudly serve his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army.

In 1941, he married Loretta Legere and together they had three children, Lester, Neal, and Brenda. In 1948, he married Bonnie Van Lieu and together they had five children, Douglas, Sherry, Barbara, Kathy and James.

He lived life to the fullest, staying active as a community member and family man. He worked for, and retired from, the EL Paper Mill in Rumford and was also a member of the VFW.

He enjoyed his retirement life, walking three to four miles each day at Hosmer Field, always having a smile for his fellow early morning walkers. He would greet Hannaford employees each morning with a smile as well, volunteering to carry in the papers that were delivered each day. He would fill the remainder of his time each day playing solitaire, watching his favorite TV shows or taking rides with his son-in-law, Ralph.

He was known for his amazing ability to remember all of his children and their spouses, great-grand children and even great-great-grandchildren’s birthdays and anniversaries.

He made each one feel special by always sending a card that he was able to get to arrive on their special day. He also enjoyed attending many family events, birthdays, weddings and especially his great-grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is survived by a sister, Velma and her husband, Joe, of Bradford, Conn,; seven children, Lester and wife, Doris, of Falls-Church, Va., Neal and wife, Florine, of Japan, Douglas and wife, Sandy, of Manchester, Conn., James and wife, Melissa, of Dixfield, Brenda Halacy and husband, Dick, of Milton, Barbara Hall and husband, Ralph, of Rumford and Kathy Thibodeau and husband, Joseph, of Vernon, Conn. He also has nineteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Loretta; his second wife, Bonnie; and one daughter, Sherry.

The family would like to specially thank Stella Blanchard and Ralph.