Leopold ‘Paul’ Fournier
1911 – 2010

AUBURN — Leopold (Paul) Fournier, 98, of Auburn, completed his sojourn on planet Earth on Feb. 11. With his son, Thomas and his caregiver, Brian, at his side, he peacefully passed in the comfort of his home while the Holy Rosary was being recited to him. Caring for him has been an honor and a real treat and his absence will leave a huge devoid in both of their hearts. May he rest in peace with his beloved wife and Father in Heaven.

He was born on Nov. 17, 1911, in Cap St. Ignace, Quebec, Canada, the son of the late Zephirin and Camille (Couillard) Fournier. 

Paul resided in Auburn for most of his life. Always a hard worker, he worked for many years as a bus driver for Hudson during the 50s and 60s. Also, in Presque Isle and Caribou from 1970 until 1982, he was self-employed in the food service business, working diligently until retirement at the tender age of 72, then returned to live in Auburn.

He proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was educated in Lewiston schools and was a long-time faithful communicant of St. Louis Church and St. Philip’s Church for the past several years.

He was an easygoing and kind gentleman, always happy and content. He will be fondly remembered for his gentle and unassuming personality. Completely nonjudgmental, he never uttered an unkind word about anyone. He hadn’t a mean bone in his body! He was lighthearted and always enjoyed a good laugh and will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and keen sense of humor, which stayed with him throughout his life. A devout Christian, he knelt by his bedside every night to say his evening prayers, until recently when he could kneel no longer.

He and his late wife, Therese, were among the favorite customers at many local eateries, often perusing the phone book for new out of the way places to try! He enjoyed spending countless hours listening to books on cassette, due to poor eyesight, especially Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey westerns. In his earlier years, he enjoyed reading, cooking, bowling and, emphatically, attending horse races, seldom missing a race! He was a beloved man and will be missed by many.

Survivors include one son, Thomas of Auburn; along with a very special person he affectionately considered as his own son, his long-time loving and attentive caregiver, Brian Martin of Auburn, who alone made it possible for he and his late spouse to remain in their home in dignity to the very end. He was extremely devoted and brought them immeasurable joy and laughter; four daughters, Pauline Sweetser of Presque Isle, Jacqueline Varo of Los Gatos, Calif., Anita LaPointe of Auburn and Michelle Toomey of Deer Island; one sister, Mrs. John (Yvette Boisvert) Desjardins of Lewiston; and numerous nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Maurice Hebert of Turner, who called and visited often and always offered to lend a helping hand.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Therese (Nadeau), with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and together raised five children; five brothers, Avila, Armand, Lucien, Maurice and Napoleon, six sisters, Camille Cyr, Esther Richard, Gabrielle Hebert, Laurianne Philippon, Rachael Asselin and Rita Belisle, along with an adopted sister, Lucienne Auger.

A very deep sense of gratitude goes to Mrs. Ruth Nadeau of Alexandria, Va., for her many supportive calls and prayers during his illness. Thomas and Brian will always be thankful and inspired by her profound empathy and compassion. Thomas also wishes to thank Dr. George Morrissette, his esteemed physician for nearly 30 years. Also, a grateful acknowledgement to Dr. Yelena Patsiornik for her compassionate care during his recent illness.