CHARLEMONT - Clarence Arthur Fournier, 85, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter Shirley and her husband, Conrad A. Rouleau, in Charlemont on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009.

He was born on Jan. 4, 1924, in Northampton, the son of Arthur and Lena Fournier. His wife and best friend of 64 years, Anna, passed away on Jan. 30, 2009, also at the home of Shirley and Conrad. He is survived by a brother, Richard, in Nevada and was predeceased by a sister, Rita. Clarence served in the U.S. Army 284th Port Company 487 Port Battalion during World War II, where he met and married his wife Anna in Antwerp, Belgium. He received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal while serving in Normandy.

Clarence returned to Charlemont due to ill health after living in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for 20 years, having lived in Hawley and Aldenville before moving to Myrtle Beach. He was retired 40 years from the American Bosch. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who worked hard and loved his family, he also found time to volunteer and give back to his community. Clarence served as a committeeman for Boy Scouts of America Troop 138, past commander of American Legion Post 337, a Melvin Jones Award winner for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Charlemont Lions Club, and served on the Board of Directors for the Horry County Council of Aging, where he helped raise the funds to build a new Senior Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Clarence lost his vision at age 80 and continued to help others until his health began to fail. He was a true inspiration to all.

Clarence will be deeply missed by his two children, Shirley A. Rouleau and her husband Conrad of Charlemont and George A. Fournier of Northampton; four grandchildren, Karen Foley and husband Christian, Andrew Lewandowski, Bradlee Fournier and wife Susie and Justin Rouleau and wife Carroll; and eight great-granchildren, Maitri, Camden, Channing, Kelci, Keira, Mason, Brodie and Kalia. Clarence will be sadly missed by many friends and acquaintances and his dog, Meika.

A Life Celebration Service will be held in June at the Charlemont Federation Church, followed by a gathering of family and friends. A special thank you from the family to Dr. Colbert and the Hospice Angels for their wonderful, professional and gentle care during Clarence's illness. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301.