Bernard Norman Couture

Bernard Norman Couture, 72, passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2012, with his family by his side. He was born in Waterville on February 3, 1940, the son of William and Elizabeth Duston Couture. He married the love of his life, Alice Tingley, in 1960 at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow. They moved to Vassalboro in 1965 where they raised their family of five children. He was predeceased by his parents, son Spencer Couture, grandson Travis Couture and brother William A. Couture, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice Tingley Couture and four children - Caroline Smith and husband Robert, Steven Couture, Bernard Couture and wife Elizabeth, and Brenda Devoe. He is also survived by sisters Cecile Dugas, Agnes Pomerleau and husband Francis, Rita Cormier and husband Ronald, Elizabeth "Betty" Deraps, Genevieve "Genny" St. Peter, Norma Stankevitz and husband Frank; his brothers Kenneth Couture, Eugene Couture and wife Judie, Reginald Couture, Harvey Couture and wife Renette, James Couture and wife Enola; grandchildren Moriah, Danielle and, Michaela Smith, Maila, Maria, and Edward Couture, Nathan, Sarah, Ryan, and Amy Devoe; great grandchild Keelyn VanGordon and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bernard was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling but most of all loved family gatherings. He always had a great sense of humor and a ready impish grin for all. Bernard was an Army veteran. He was a member of the American Legion, NRA, and of Corpus Christi Parish. Bernard was a very gifted mechanic and handyman. He retired as the lead mechanic in 2002 from Huhtamaki after 35 years. Visiting hours will be held from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Mon. Nov. 12, 2012 at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville. Committal prayers and burial will be at 1 p.m. Tues. Nov. 13, 2012 in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HealthReach Hospice Volunteers, 10 Water St., Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901 or Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903. Our deepest thanks to the staff of the Alfond Cancer Center and the HealthReach Hospice whose support greatly helped our family. Condolences may be expressed at gallantfh.com.