Bernard M. 'Bernie' Chartier Obituary (1945

Bernard M. Chartier, 88 years old, died Friday, January 08, 2010. Bernie was born and raised in Tupper Lake, the son of George and Juliette (Auclair) Chartier.A veteran of WWII, Bernie served in the Pacific Theatre. He returned to Tupper Lake in December 1945 and married his high-school sweetheart, Ruth Wood, on January 26, 1946. Bernie and Ruth had three children, Jo-Ann, Mark and Paul.Bernie was an avid outdoorsman, a past president of the Rod and Gun Club and started its firearm safety program and target-shooting club for youth. He was a charter member (1948) of the Springhill Club hunting club. For many years he ran a gunsmithing shop out of his Vachereau Street home. He also enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, boating, fishing camping, and his time as a member of the Tupper Lake Lions Club. Known for his sense of humor and easygoing manner, he was a devoted husband and good friend to many.Bernie worked at Sunmount for over 40 years, both as the Veterans Hospital and later as a Developmental Center. While there, in addition to his regular work, he ran the Credit Union. Upon retirement, Bernie and Ruth moved to Florida, where they lived until Ruth's death in April of 2007. Bernie then left the warmth of Florida to return to Tupper Lake and lived with his son Paul and his family until being admitted to Mercy Rehab in July of 2009.Bernie is survived by his three children, Jo-Ann Sheridan of Queensbury, NY; Mark Chartier and his wife Cathy of North Andover, MA; and Paul and his wife Lauri, of Tupper Lake, NY. His grandchildren include David Sheridan of Denver, CO; Todd Sheridan of Brooklyn, NY; Eric and Gillian Chartier of Bradford, MA; and Brooke and Eve Chartier of Tupper Lake. Bernie also is survived by twin great-grandchildren, born in July 2009, Maddox and Harlow Chartier.His surviving siblings include a sister, Rita Hagan of Boston, MA; and a brother, Robert, of Tupper Lake. He was pre-deceased by brothers Clayton and Ken and sister Lillian.Bernie will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday January 16th at Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home at 11 am, with a memorial service at 12pm.Contributions can be made in Bernard's memory to the Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Squad or AMC Mercy Healthcare Center. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com________________________________________