Roland Carrier

Roland E. Carrier, 84, of Sanford, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010 at the Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. Born in Biddeford on August 19, 1925, he was a son of the late Arestide and Emerentienne (Bourgault) Carrier. He attended local Sanford schools. He then served in the US Navy during WWII from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Saipan Tinian Invasion and the Philippine Liberation. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific and Philippine Liberation Medals.As a young man, Mr. Carrier worked as an all-around mechanic for his father in the Shell Gas Station originally on Main Street in Sanford. He also had been employed at the former Sanford Goodall Mills. He was a jack-of-all trades, able to repair most anything, whether it involved carpentry, electricity or plumbing. He was always eager to lend a helping hand. He retired from the Sanford School Department after 37 years of service as a maintenance supervisor.A lifetime 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he was also a member of the Sanford American Legion Post, the United States Navy Armed Guard and volunteered for many years with the Meals-On-Wheels program.Early in his retirement, he enjoyed traveling across the country with his wife and friends, mostly on bus trips. A trip to Italy was most memorable. He enjoyed meeting new people and was quick to make friends wherever he went.Mr. Carrier was most proud of his family, including his devoted wife and never forgetting to mention his "five daughters". The highlights of his life in his later years were frequent visits by his grandchildren, especially the four "little ones", his great grandchildren. He was an avid Red Sox fan, never missing a televised game.He is predeceased by his parents, Arestide and Emerentienne Carrier, one brother, Jules Carrier, one sister, Simone Tebbetts.He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pauline Vachon Carrier, daughters; Connie Gregoire and her husband, Steve of Acton, Doris Porell and her husband, Rickey of Alfred, Elaine Baron and her husband, Alan of Sanford, Janet Jepson and her husband, Richard of Sanford and Jeanne Carrier and partner, Norman Porell of Alfred; grandchildren, Jason Ellis of Springvale, Ryan Porell and his wife, Rina of Kennebunk, Kelley Johnson and her husband, Aaron of Kennebunk, Tracy Porell and his wife, Tracy of Kennebunk, Chad Baron and his wife, Sherri of Sanford, and Christopher Jepson of Sanford, great grandchildren; Zachary and Samuel Johnson of Kennebunk, Ethan and Brayden Baron of Sanford, one sister, Pauline O'Brien of Eliot and one brother, Joseph Maurice Carrier of New Mexico, several cousins, nieces and nephews.Mr. Carrier's family would like to express their thanks to the dedicated staff of Southern Maine Medical Center for their caring attention during his stay. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Richard Tockman. To all of the doctors, nurses, and others who cared for our husband and father, we are extremely grateful. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 6 to 9PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford.Burial will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.>