RUMFORD – William J. Boudreau, 82, of Rumford, died Monday, June 20.

He was born on May 13, 1923, to the late Alfred and Mathilde (Landry) Boudreau. An only child, he lived in the area all his life.

He worked at the paper mill in Rumford and served for three years in World War II as an expert gunner and armored medical driver. He received several medals and took part in several major campaigns. He was in the Army of occupation in Germany, and also was in France as a battalion interpreter.

He married the late Rose Beauchesne of Rumford in June of 1952, and they had one child, a son, Michael, who lives in Rumford with his wife, Maureen (Gaul) and their daughter, Jennifer Rose, age 3, whom he loved dearly.

A gentle, quiet man who loved to fish, he enjoyed the outdoors and sports. He shall be greatly missed.

Besides his family, he leaves many good friends, including Butch and Theresa Broomhall, who were a great comfort to him at the end.