ORR’S ISLAND — Armand L. Bernier, 85 of Lowell’s Cove Road, died peacefully Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Parkview Adventist Medical Center, Brunswick surrounded by friends and family. He was born in Brunswick, April 10, 1927, the son of Edward and Alfreda Martin Bernier.

He served his Country in the Army during WWII. Armand worked with his brother, Henry, for many years at the Topsham Auto Body Shop, and began his Bowdoin career in January 1984 as a groundskeeper and mechanic. In 1992 he was promoted to landscaper, and in 1993 received an Employee Excellence Award. During his tenure, his warmth and good humor established him as a Bowdoin institution.

Armand’s care with plantings around the College reflected his pride in his work and his deep affection for the Bowdoin community. He was the driving force behind the creation and maintenance of the quad’s outdoor skating rink. Extremely dedicated, he often spent seven days a week working the campus landscape. He retired June 30, 2000, and enjoyed working on construction projects with friends and helping his neighbors in every way possible. Especially notable was helping his dear friends recently renovate, reopen and operate the Bailey Island General Store.

Armand was married to Mary Crowley Bernier in 1955, herself a 45 year Bowdoin employee, administrative assistant, assistant to the vice president for development and director of development services, before retiring in 1999, who died June 28, 2003.

The Berniers’ love for the College is further demonstrated by their establishment in 1997-98 of the Mary C. and Armand L. Bernier Scholarship Fund. The fund provides financial aid for student from the greater Brunswick area – from the communities in which they themselves were so deeply rooted.

Armand was also predeceased by his brothers, Andre, Remy, Robert, Evariste, Edward and Henry Bernier and a sister, Rhea Pelkey.

He is survived by his brother Anthony of North Carolina; two sisters, Priscilla Bellanger of Brunswick and Constance Bernier of New Jersey and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in St. Charles Borromeo Church, McKeen Street, Brunswick. Interment will be in Orr’s Island Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mary C. and Armand L. Bernier Scholarship Fund, c/o The Development office, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011 and the Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 177, Orr’s Island, ME 04066.

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