Obituary

Hudson - Rene M. Beland, 88, passed away on November 12, 2015. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Leonce and Alice (Pelletier) Beland.

A World War II veteran, Rene enlisted in the Navy at age 17, and was proud to have served aboard LST-264 during the Normandy invasion. He was a mink rancher for over twenty years, working first on a farm in Sudbury and eventually raising his own mink on his property in Berlin. Later, he worked for Hillhaven Corporation for many years, renovating their chain of nursing homes. He had a strong work ethic throughout his life, and was rarely idle.

In his earlier years, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved trapping, hunting and fishing. More recently, he enjoyed walking in Gates Pond Reservation with his beloved dog, Bucky, whose spirit has now joined his master's.

Rene was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn R. (Swanson) Beland, who died in 2011. He is survived by his children, step-children, and their families: Michael Beland and his wife Ann of Milo, Maine; Nancy Williams, wife of the late David Williams, of Marlboro; Renee Medeiros and her husband John of Worcester; Scott McCarthy and his wife Gabriele of Winchendon; Paula Richardson and her husband Mark of Paxton; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, nieces and nephews, and many good friends and neighbors.

The family thanks Nordgren Memorial Chapel in Worcester for assisting with arrangements, which were private. The ashes of Rene and Carolyn now rest together in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.