Fernand Rene Gaudreau

SCARBOROUGH—Fernand Rene Gaudreau, 96, formerly of Westbrook, died peacefully on December 7, 2017 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was born November 12, 1921, a son of Camille and Louise (Prince) Gaudreau. He grew up in Westbrook and attended schools locally, graduating in the class of 1941. After high school, Fern traveled the country and was a singer known as “Charlie Towers” featured in variety shows along the east coast. His singing career came to an end when World War II began. Fern enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He was stationed overseas in Germany, Normandy and France as a tank gunner and was a recipient of the purple heart after being wounded in Germany. After the war, Fern married his love, Rita Briard on October 2, 1952. Together, they made their home in Westbrook where Fern was employed as a mail carrier with the Postal Service for over 30 years until his retirement. Fern was an outgoing man who built meaningful relationships with people easily. He always referred to his friends and family with thoughtful nicknames, particularly calling himself, his son Brian and daughter in law Cheryl the three musketeers. Some of Fern’s favorite past times were the countless summers he spent on his boat “Golden Boy” where he caravanned Brian and his nieces and nephews up to Sebago Lake. He was an animal lover, especially of his son’s Maine Cooncat. Above all, Fern was a family man who had a special bond with Brian; they shared a nightly routine having a phone conversation at 8pm when Fern was often enjoying his “rations” of his old friend, Jim Beam or Jack Daniels. Fern is survived by his son, Brian Gaudreau and his wife, Cheryl of Arundel; a step-son, William Ross and his wife Jennifer of Florida; sisters, Angela Cross, Lorraine Poitras, and Roberta Arsenault; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Rita Gaudreau; a brother, Romeo “Joe” Gaudreau, and sister Edna Gaudreau along with his younger siblings Conrad, Rachel, and Muriel. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 2pm at the Westbrook Chapel of Dolby Blais & Segee, 35 Church St., Westbrook, ME 04092. A period of visitation will be held from 12noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fern’s name may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Fernand Rene Gaudreau

November 12, 1921 - December 7, 2017

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