WILBRAHAM - Homer Marcel Guilmain died on July 17, 2013 in Westfield, MA. He was born on February 17, 1919 in St. Anne de Stukely, Canada, the son of Nora (Malo) and Marcel Guilmain. He was the first of their seven children. In 1920, his family moved to Springfield, MA where he spent most of his life. Homer is survived by his wife of 67 years Lorraine Alice (Chabot) Guilmain, a daughter, Donna Guilmain of Portland, ME and a son Paul Guilmain and his wife Anne of Westfield, MA. He was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren; Robert Welz and wife Rachel and great grandson, Max of Lake Tahoe, CA, Jason Welz of S.L.C., Jillian Guilmain of S.L.C. and Laura and her husband Brian Cunniff of Burlington, VT. He also leaves two brothers, Oscar and wife Dot, Richard and wife Yvonne and a sister Teresa Cardano. He was predeceased by two sisters, Lorette Lacoste and Trudy Williams. Homer was also lucky to have many nieces and nephews who never forgot him and visited regularly, especially in his later years. He loved them all dearly. Homer was drafted into the Army during WW II and became a U.S. Citizen while serving in Oran, Morocco. He participated in three major campaigns, The Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe, receiving several awards for bravery and service with the 49th AAA Brigade. After the war, he returned home to marry his sweetheart Lorraine. He worked many years at Cheney Bigalow Wire as a shop foreman. Throughout his life, he was known for his kind and generous spirit, always ready to help family or friends in need. Homer was an avid cyclist and camper, passing on these interests to his children and grandchildren. Many happy times were spent biking and camping at Burlingame St. Park in R.I. He loved music, whistling and playing the harmonica. He was a member of the Springfield Golden Age for 30 yrs. and as the "music man" provided the old songs for numerous shows and also for the McKinley Line Dancers. Homer was also a member of The American Legion. After retirement, Lorraine and Homer moved to the Wilbraham Commons, enjoying 20 yrs. of family and friends. They were lifelong communicants of OLSH in Springfield and later St. Ceclia's in Wilbraham. His last year was spent at the Governor's Center in Westfield, where he received great care by a dedicated staff. Many thanks to all of them. There will be a service at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. in Agawam on July 25 at 10 AM.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from July 19 to July 21, 2013]