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

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 U.S. 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 form the Ethyl 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. One of his greatest wishes was to meet and get to know his children from his first marriage. He was eventually able to do this and it gave him great joy to be involved with all his children.

He was known for his amazing ability to remember all of his children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren’s birthdays and anniversaries. He made each one feel special by always sending a card 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 his wife, Doris, of Falls Church, Va., Neal and his wife, Florine, of Japan, Douglas and his wife, Sandy, of Manchester, Conn., James and his wife, Melissa, of Dixfield, Brenda Halacy and her husband, Dick, of Milton, Barbara Hall and her husband, Ralph, of Rumford and Kathy Thibodeau and her husband, Joseph, of Vernon, Conn.; he also has 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

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

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