Walter Pierce Bjornson, a fifty year resident of Stoughton, passed away at home under the care of Old Colony Hospice after a prolonged illness on July 6, 2007. He was eighty years old. He was the beloved husband of Joan C. (Cote) Bjornson to whom he was married to for fifty – four years.
Born November 24, 1926 in Newton, Massachusetts, he was raised in Dedham, Masssachusetts. He was a son of the late Henry L. and Carrie (Pierce) Bjornson. He attended Dedham Public Schools and was a 1944 graduate of Dedham High School. He also attended Norwich University in Vermont, majoring in Mathematics.
Mr. Bjornson enlisted and served active duty as a Photographer with The United States Army during World War II. He attained the rank of Corporal and was the proud recipient of The World War II Victory Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and The Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Later on in his military career Corporal Bjornson was able to attain the title of Rifleman M-1 and Marksman.
Upon his return from active duty, Mr. Bjornson was employed as a Maintenance Engineer for thirty– five years at the former Draper Brothers Co. Inc. in Canton, MA. Mr. Bjornson was also employed for many years as a Special Police Officer in the towns of Stoughton and Canton. He also served as a Communications Officer and was a Coordinator for the Sharon Civil Defense.
Mr. Bjornson was a Cub Scout Leader with Pack # 88 in Stoughton and a Boy Scout Leader with Troop # 57 also in Stoughton. He was the proud recipient and holder of the Silver Beaver Boy Scout Award. He was life member of both The Stoughton Fish & Game Association and The Sharon Fish & Game Association. His hobbies included photography, pistol shooting, rifle shooting and operating amateur radios. He was also a distinguished expert in Short Arms and Long Arms.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Bjornson is survived by his son, H.L. “Buzzard” Bjornson of Stoughton and his girlfriend Gerri Foley and her daughter Haylie Foley - Gossage. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Erik Kapustin of Massachusetts, Shannon Bjornson of Maine, Harley Brogna – Bjornson of Stoughton Shannon Tomlinson of Athol, and his great -granddaughter Nevaeh Tomlinson also of Athol. He was preceaded in death by his two brothers, Henry L. Bjornson and Robert Bjornson.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 10, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. from The Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. The Deacon Philip LaFond, Christ The King Church of Brockton, officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Old Colony Hospice, 1 Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368 in Walter’s memory, would be appreciated.
Visiting hours to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend will be held on Monday July 9, 2007 from 2 – 4 P.M. and 7 - 9 P.M. in the funeral home.