THOMPSON – Michael E. “M.C.” Cournoyer, 56, of Thompson, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at home with his family at his side after a long battle with cancer.
He leaves his wife of 37 years, Ernestine R. “Tina” (Neurath) Cournoyer; a daughter, Suzanne M. Butts and her husband Jonathan and Wayne M. Cournoyer and his wife Karin, all of Woodstock; 6 grandchildren, Audrianna, Courtney, Jon Michael and Jason Butts, and Emily and Adelyn Cournoyer; 6 brothers, Donald, Albert, Richard, George, Ronald and Aime Cournoyer; a sister, Margaret Biron; his mother-in-law, Rose M. (St.John) Neurath of Danielson; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Roger, Robert, David and Raymond Cournoyer.
He was born in Southbridge, MA, the youngest of the 12 children of Aime and Beatrice (Maynard) Cournoyer. After his mother passed away in 1968, he was raised by Albert and Barbara Cournoyer in Webster. He then made his home with his wife and family in Woodstock for 15 years before moving to Thompson. He graduated from Bay Path Regional Technical Vocational High School in Charlton, MA in 1975.
Mr. Cournoyer worked in the electrical maintenance department of Whitcraft Company in Eastford for about 10 years before retiring because of illness in 2009.
He played football, basketball and baseball on the varsity teams at Bay Path and continued his love for these sports after graduation. He enjoyed riding his Harley when he could, taking in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his 6 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang (a charity that helps children with cancer), 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, or to the Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, 320 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260. Arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, MA.