Paul R. Blais Sr.
1923 – 2010

RUMFORD —  Paul R. Blais Sr., 86, of Oxford Avenue, Rumford, longtime resident of Dixfield and Peru, died Saturday, March 27, at Rumford Hospital, after a long illness, surrounded by loving family and friends.

He was born in Garland, June 17, 1923, a son of Pierre O. and Alice M. (Stevens) Blais. He was educated in Woonsocket, R.I., schools and was a graduate of Woonsocket High School, Class of 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Seabee during World War II.

He married Beryl Savage on Feb. 23, 1946, and together they celebrated 48 years of marriage and raised seven children. She passed away Dec. 21, 1994.

He was a machinist with Plymouth Machine and Burner Co. in Plymouth, Mass., and a self-employed professional photographer. He was also employed with Oxford Paper Co. and owner of Blais Variety in Peru and Riverside Restaurant in Mexico.

He was a life member of Swasey Torrey Post 100 in Dixfield and the 40/8 No. 613 of the state of Maine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cribbage. He also loved working with wood and made many items for family and friends.

Surviving are his children, Lee “Pete” Blais and wife, Penny, of Peru, Becky Cassidy of New Port Richey, Fla., John S. Blais and wife, Linda, of Rumford, Debra Coudrain-Grimes and husband, Roy, of Peru, currently in Iraq, Gini Blais of Dixfield and Cheryl Wade and husband, Jeff, of Peru; a sister, Viola Dickey of Las Vegas, Nev.; 14 grandchildren, Tim, Lisa, Michael, Nicholas, Katie, Luanne, John Roger, John Edward, Kristen, Dylan, Brian, Jason, Craig and Alyssa; six great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Daunte, Collin, William, Meredith and Ian; and a dear friend, Mavis Powell.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Beryl M. Blais in 1994; a son, Paul R. Blais Jr.; a brother, David; and two sisters, Dorothy and Helen.