RUMFORD – Basil F. R. Cornish, 96, passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, at the Rumford Hospital. He was a resident of Hall Hill Road, Rumford. Born in Rumford on Aug. 24, 1927, he was the son of Basil A. and Maria Rose (Cayer) Cornish Sr.

Basil was a graduate of Stephens High School, class of 1945 and then served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, He served during end of World War II and the Korean Wars. He later worked for over 40 years as a checker in the shipping department for Oxford and Boise Cascade Paper Co. until his retirement in 1988. Basil was also an expert rifleman and achieved numerous awards and medals throughout the years, including the High aggregate state champ expert division in 1954 and held the titles in 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1963. He also received a presidential sports award from Jimmy Carter, which he was very proud of.

He was an avid hunter and gardener, loving his land and trees. He enjoyed many a seasonal trip to Florida with his longtime partner, Claire.

Basil married the late Meriese Cote and together they raised a loving family. Survivors include two daughters: Sandra Pond and husband David of South Glastonbury, Conn., and Diane Noyes of Bethlehem, N.H. Four grandchildren: Seth Malec and wife Jessica of Mt Dora, Fla.; Valerie Piercey of Blue Springs, Mo., with her three children, Josiah, Imani, and Will. Eric Pond of Glastonbury, Conn.; Tyler Pond of East Hampton, N.Y., and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Meriese, daughter Cynthia, brother Raymond, sisters, Dorothy, Joyce and companion Claire Farwell.

Friends and family are invited to go online and share memories with the family at: http://www.meaderandson.com

A graveside service will be held in the spring in St. John Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford.

In Lieu of flowers, those who desire may contribute to the Oncology Dept. c/o Rumford Hospital 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276 in his memory.

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