Robert L Harnois Sr.

Robert L. Harnois, 91, of Main Street, Westbrook passed away peacefully in his home on February 21, 2012. A life long resident of Westbrook, he was born here, December 12, 1920, one of eight children. Robert was the only son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Harnois. He was a proud brother of seven sisters. He graduated from Westbrook High School in 1938. He continued his education at the American Standard and Gelber Barker trade schools. He earned his Master Burnermanâ€™s license. Robert married his high school sweetheart Irene Beaumier on June 14, 1941. They were the perfect example of a loving and devoted couple. Robert was employed by S.D. Warren from 1940-1942 and by the shipyard from 1942-44. From 1944 to 1946 Robert served with the 77th Infantry Division in the Asiatic-Pacific area. Upon returning from military service, he returned to work at S.D. Warren until 1948. At that time Robert became self-employed in the field of heating and installation of heating systems. He owned and operated an oil delivery service in Westbrook, Harnois Oil Company. He continued in this capacity until he retired in 1976. He owned and maintained several rental properties in Westbrook as well. Robert enjoyed being involved in the community. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1949. He took his Fourth Degree in 1951. He served in many capacities in his council including Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and Recorder on the Fourth Degree State Staff in 1961. In business, religious and civic areas he held many positions including: President of Catholic Action Crusaders; Past President Southern Maine Oil Dealers Association; Past Commander and Chaplin American Legion Post 62; and Trustee of Portland Water District 1972-79. Robert served as the Commissioner of the Westbrook Housing Authority from 1976-1999. He was a member of the Maine State 103rd Legislature and Representative 103rd Legislature. He received the Westbrook Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award for Outstanding Lifetime Service in 2000. He was honored with the Westbrook Democratic City Committee Lifetime Achievement award in 2006. A man of strong faith, Robert was a communicant of St. Maryâ€™s Church and St. Anthonyâ€™s Church in Westbrook. At St. Maryâ€™s Parish, he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lecturer. He was the Secretary of St. Maryâ€™s Menâ€™s Club. Robert enjoyed donating his handcrafted wooden toys for the church fair. He enjoyed bowling and served as President of the Coupleâ€™s Bowling League; Captain of the Knights of Columbus Bowling Team; and Captain of the American Legion Bowling Team. Robert also enjoyed golfing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, gardening, woodworking, traveling with his wife and dear friends, card playing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Robert enjoyed lobster bakes, barbeques and relaxing with family and friends by his backyard swimming pool and at his camp on Sebago Lake. For the past several years, he always looked forward to poker nights. Robert was a skilled joke teller. He was proud to be honored as the Grand Marshall in the 2011 Westbrook Memorial Day parade. A frequent blood donor, Robert received his 20 gallon pin. Robert is predeceased by his wife, Irene (Beaumier) of 64 years and his son Ronald B. of Westbrook. Robert is survived by his son Robert L. Jr. of Auburn and his companion Jan Sullivan; daughter Debbie M. Harnois of Westbrook. Robert is predeceased by his sisters, Evelyn LaVigne and husband Robert; Dorothy Hawkes and husband Cecil; Beatrice Michaud and husband Rudolph; brother-in-law Frank Nicholas and Conrad Boulanger. He is survived by his sisters all of Westbrook, Corrine Nicholas; Theresa Boulanger; Francis Dugas and husband Ernest; Phyllis Rogers and husband Byron; and sister-in-law, Stella Beaumier. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren Chris Harnois and wife Kelly of Westbrook; Susan Cahill and husband James of Norwood, Massachusetts; Janice Drew and husband Steven of Gorham; Steven Harnois and wife Joy of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; Carolyn Starks and husband Michael of Holden; Stephanie Aham and husband Craig of Westbrook; and John Harnois of Boston. Robert was blessed with fifteen great grandchildren: Madison June, Maggie Eileen, Maeve Christine, Maren Marie, Cassandra Elizabeth, Donnovan James, David Charles, Lydia Rose, Jack Everett, Charlotte Catherine, Lauren Elizabeth, Avery Ray, Claire Elise, Benjamin Peter and Luke Henry. Robert had many nieces and nephews as well. Words can not express how much you mean to all of us, Grampy. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Anthonyâ€™s Church, Brown St. Westbrook. Interment will take place at St. Hyacinth Cemetery. On line condolences may be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Knights of Columbus 268 Brown St. Westbrook, ME 04092 Attn: Gene Tanguay or American Legion 17 Dunn Street Westbrook, Maine 04092

Robert L Harnois Sr.

December 12, 1920 - February 21, 2012

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