1942 – 2015

RUMFORD — William “Bizz” Roland Carignan, 72, went to join the love of his life on Friday, March 6, in Rumford.

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor and friend, he was certainly a one-of-a-kind man. A Halloween baby, he was born Oct. 31, 1942, in Rumford to Leo (Kiyo) and Macrena (Mackie) Surrette. He grew up on Waldo Street in the “Carignan” block.

On Oct. 3, 1963, he married the love of his life, Sandra Irving Carignan.

Bizz graduated in 1961 from Stevens High School and attended SMTC. He worked at the Rumford Mill as a maintenance supervisor and draftsman for many years until his retirement at the age of 55 when he could then say, “Every day is a Saturday,” and, “I think I have that day off, but I need to check with my social director.”

Bizz was very active volunteering at various organizations, spending lots of time at the information booth gladly telling visitors the history of his town. He drove a snowmobile for Maine Handicap skiing and loved to tell the story of the little boy who would wait for him because he would let him ride on the sled with him instead of being towed behind. He also volunteered for the Chisholm Ski Club and was a milfoil boat inspector.

Bizz was a proud member of the BPOE Elks, Eagles C12, American Legion and a communicant to the Holy Savior Church, where he sang in the choir.

Some of his favorite times were spent at his family camp on Roxbury Pond sitting on the front deck, and all visitors were greeted with a warm hug and a “welcome home.”

His memory lives on through Cyndi and Dennis Flaherty, Gloria Carignan, Pam and Kerry Gill, Debby and Geary LaPerle, Dr. Peter Carignan and Paul and Karen Carignan and families; and The Hippie Squatters Camp Crew.

Survivors include daughters, Michelle Carignan and companion, Mark Ouellette, of Rumford, Patti Daigle and husband, Mike, of Rumford Center; grandchildren, Lauren Gilbert of Rumford, Christopher Cayer of Rumford, Michael Gilbert and wife, Karen, of Savannah Ga., Nikki Cayer of Yarmouth, T3 of Rumford, and Seth and Hannah Daigle of Hampden.

Special thanks to Rich Cormier and countless numbers of close friends that he considered family.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Sandra, in 2008; his parents; his sister, Carmen; and many special friends with whom he can now celebrate.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.