Bernard, Rufus, 99, Caribou, at Caribou, July 17, 2010. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m., July 26. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., July 27, from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Caribou – Rufus Bernard, 99, former Caribou Police Chief, died July 17, 2010, at Caribou. He was born in Fort Fairfield November 23, 1910, the son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Lavois) Bernard. Mr. Bernard began his long career in law enforcement as a member of the Fort Fairfield Police Department before joining the Maine State Police, where he served from 1942-1962, retiring as a Sergeant. Following his retirement, Mr. Bernard was appointed as Chief of the Caribou Police Department, a position he held for 12 years. He married Eileen Murphy. Rufus was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Almost everyone knew Rufus and almost everyone has a “Rufus story.” A truly independent man, he lived at his home on Pioneer Ave. in Caribou, until he was nearly 96 years old, when he moved to an assisted living apartment in Presque Isle. He was a longtime communicant of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and was an honorary member of the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Dept. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and J. Nason Reid of Portsmouth, N.H.; his grandchildren, Kathryn Adams of Monmouth, Susan Adams of Augusta, J. Nason Reid III of Portsmouth, N.H., Michael Reid and his wife, Dawn of Peachtree, Ga.; his great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Michael Jr., Lauren, and Molly all of Peachtree, Ga. Mr. Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen in 1995; a daughter, Barbara Adams; three brothers, Wilfred, Louis and Albert; and two sisters, Hazel and Louise.
Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010, from the Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Dennis Catholic Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Bernard may do so through the Caribou Police Dept or the Caribou Fire Dept. memorial funds. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
