By Beth David, Editor
The Town of Fairhaven said its final goodbyes to four former town officials in the last couple of weeks.
Richard Brodeur, 68, a long time Board of Public Works member passed away on March 23 after a months-long battle with brain cancer. Arrangements will be private. His obituary may be viewed at http://www.hathawayfunerals.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/780935
Mr. Broduer and his son Matthew were well known in various volunteer circles. They both “clowned around” at various events dressed as clowns and entertaining children. The pair was also featured in “American Scream,” a movie about Halloween home haunts that featured three Fairhaven homes.
Richard’s favorite volunteer activity was performing as Hoppy/ Swabby the Clown with his son Matthew throughout New England to raise funds for the Clowning for Kidz Foundation,
In Lieu of flowers, Mr. Brodeur’s family respectfully requests that you consider making a charitable donation to the Clowning for Kidz Foundation, 2162 Main St., West Warren, MA 01092, or www.clowningforkidz foundation.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children Child Life Department, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.
Robert Cormier, 74, who was also a BPW member, but is probably best known as the president and an active member of the North Fairhaven Improvement Association, died on March 27. Arrangements were by Saunders-Dwyer Funeral homes. He is survived by his wife Gail Landry. His obituary may be viewed at http://www.saundersdwyer.com./ObituariesNB.html.
See a letter below from his good friend Ted Silva.
George Graves, 84, who was a School Committee chair, and the founder of the Nemasket Group with his wife Joan, died on March 18. He is survived by his wife Joan. Arrangements were by Waring-Sullivan Homes of Memorial Tribute. His obituary may be viewed at http://www. dignity memorial. com/waring sullivan/en-us/index.page
According to his obituary, “George just loved his home town of Fairhaven. He served on the School Committee, four years as Chairman. Throughout his life he was actively involved in dozens of community organizations many as founder, treasurer and coordinator. He enjoyed coaching youth basketball and baseball for many years.
“In 1984 George and his wife Joan founded the Nemasket Group in Fairhaven for their son David and others with developmental disabilities. George remained active as chairman of the board of directors for over 30 years. Today the organization continues to thrive serving over 400 adults, children and families throughout the Greater New Bedford area. In 1985 George and Joan received the Distinguished Citizens Award at the State House in Boston for their work associated with the Nemasket Group.
“George enjoyed summers at his cottage on Wilbur Point where he loved boating, fishing and spending time with his family. He loved playing and watching all sports. He was especially fond of the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots but no team was closer to his heart than any team from Fairhaven High School.”
William “Bill” Markey, 87, died on March 23. He served on the Fairhaven Finance Committe and Conservation Committee, and was active in acquiring the Little Bay Conservation Area. Arrangements were by the Wilson Chapel. His obituary may be viewed at http://www.wilsonchapel. net/Obituaries.html
According to his obituary, Mr. Markey served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a 33-year veteran of the New Bedford School Department and served as principal of Keith Junior High for 17 years. Prior to that, he taught chemistry at NBHS for 16 years and was also assistant principal and then acting principal of the NBHS evening school.
He was the husband of Norma L. (Eddy) Markey with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.
Ted Silva recalls his friend Bob Cormier
“Blunt, and to the point!”
That will be one of my strongest recollections of Bob Cormier, but certainly there are many others. I first met Bob when he became the campaign chairman (a volunteer position) for Selectman Sam Freitas and I knew from then on that we would become friends.
In 1990, Bob worked intensely with me on a fundraiser (a volunteer position) for The American Lung Association. And, he worked just as intensely through the years with other groups.
When he was a member of the BPW (a volunteer position) from 1988 to 1994, he was instrumental in establishing the basic recycling program resulting in what we have in place today. In 1993, about the same time as Bill Clinton was inaugurated for his first term as president of the United States, Bob Cormier took it upon himself to resurrect The North Fairhaven Improvement Association and was elected president of NFIA, (a volunteer position).
He retained that post for ten years and restored this organization to the active neighborhood group it is today. More recently he had been committed to and working for “Gifts to Give” (a volunteer position) in Acushnet.
In 1997 Robert D. Cormier was named by The Standard Times as “Fairhaven Man of the Year.” The article regarding Bob’s selection was written by Jack Stewardson, listing the many things he had accomplished up until then, and referenced the fact that Bob’s reputation was “A man who gets things done.” Well, that he did!
Bob was not only a community leader, he was a selfless giver of his time and labor. More important to me though, he was a good friend who did what he said. Rest in peace.
Ted Silva, Fairhaven
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