RUMFORD — Alvin J. Arsenault, 87, of Rumford, died Thursday, Nov. 19, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and cancer.

He was born on Sept. 25, 1922, in Tignish, P.E.I., Canada, the son of Winifred and Calais Arsenault. He attended local schools and graduated from Mexico High School in 1941.

Upon graduation, he worked for Pratt and Whitney, in Connecticut, and for over 40 years at Boise Cascade in Rumford as an electrician. He was a member of I.B.E.W. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2144.

He served for four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 24, and the V.F.W. In 2006, he was honored in a ceremony by the American Legion with a 60 Year Service Award.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved his special time fly fishing at his camp on Barrrett Pond. He was a faithful fan of Notre Dame football, and never missed watching a game of theirs on television.

His greatest love and joy in life was his family and extended family. He enjoyed attending his grandchildrens’ sporting events and any events in general to do with the grandchildren. He also taught every one of the grandchildren to play cribbage.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marion Jannace Arsenault, who he married on Nov. 19, 1951; two daughters, Diane and her husband, Ron Linder, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Linda and her husband, Stephen Martin, of Bridgewater, Mass.; one son, Lee and wife, Jayne Arsenault, of Rumford; five grandchildren, Jessica and her husband, Nathan Gurney, of Readfield; Ryan and Jason Linder, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Jennifer and Kristen Arsenault, of Rumford. He was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Lilah Jayne Gurney, of  Readfield.

He is also survived by three brothers, Henry and wife, Avis Arsenault, of Mexico, Urbain and wife, Sylvia Arsenault, of Rumford, and Benny and wife, Celia Arsenault, of Rumford; one sister, Lorraine and husband, Bernard Poirier, of Rumford; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Winifred; father, Calais Arsenault; two brothers, Edward and Raymond Arsenault, of Mexico; and one sister, Mildred Jamison, of Augusta.

His family wants to extend a special thank you to the oncology department at Central Maine Medical Center, the Rumford Community Home, the Veterans Administration, and the Androscoggin Hospice along with Dr. Sean Callender, for their untiring care and support.