Arthur H. Champagne

"Arthur H. Champagne, 91, ascended into the arms of Jesus while surrounded by his loving family on December 24, 2010. Born on August 19, 1919 in Chicopee, MA, he was the son of the late Arthur P. and Aldea (Roux) Champagne. Arthur, previously of South Hadley and Chicopee, had resided on East Street in Granby since 1984. He was a commuicant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. A week short of his 16th birthday, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Over his lifetime, as a skilled master carpenter who learned the trade from his father in the 1930's, he designed and built hundreds of homes in the local area including those for himself and his immediate family. His attention to detail, along with an acute talent for visualizing the final product, transformed the ordinary into spectacular works of art. He was employed as a construction supervisor by several general contracting firms in the area and was responsible for constructing many large private and public buildings throughout New England. He spent the last 30 years of his career in industrial roofing as a chief estimator and was later a partner in a Connecticut roofing company. Always motivated, and in his desire to share his knowledge, he obtained a GED at the age of 54 in order to teach construction estimating at the college level. To satisfy his quest for adventure, he also trained for and earned a private pilot's license. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For many years, Arthur donated his time to the elderly by driving the Council on Aging minibus in South Hadley and Granby and was also a building assessor in the Town of Granby. While a member of the South Hadley Lions Club, he donated his talents and expertise to the original refurbishment of the South Hadley Firehouse Museum. He was a man with a wonderful sense of humor who believed in honesty and hard work, traits he passed on by example to his children and their families. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. During his retirement years he continued to do projects for his family and at his home in Granby until he was 90. First and foremost was his devotion to his family. Arthur will be greatly missed by his children Richard and his wife Pauline of Holyoke, Lorraine and her husband Robert Hilker of Baltimore, MD, Estelle and her husband Wayne Tack of Granby, and Dr. Daniel and his wife Sherrie of South Hadley. He also leaves 10 grandchildren: Donna Watson (Robert), David Champagne (Julie), Dennis Champagne (Colleen), Michael Bullough (Tammy), Steven Bullough, Jodi Tack, Wayne Tack, Jr. (Jean), Daniel Champagne, Jr., Mark Champagne, and Matthew Champagne, 12 great grandchildren, Caitlyn and Aaron Blanchard, Arianna Watson, Sarah Champagne, Vincent Bombardier, Michael, Jr., Samantha, Zachary, Anthony and Alicia Bullough, Christopher and William Tack, 2 great-great grandchildren, Marcus Whelihan and Kole Bullough. He is pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 73 years, Cecile M., who died on September 19, 2010, and his brothers Leo P. and Roger. The family would like to extend their special thanks for the many caregivers from WestMass Elder Care, Loving Care, Inc., Baystate VNA, South Hadley Meals On Wheels program, Sol Amor Hospice and to Megan Bartlett, his occupational therapist and caregiver, for providing many daytrips and companionship over the past several months. Family and friends are invited to honor Arthur's life at the Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street (Rte.), from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on December 29. A Funeral service will be held on December 30, 2010 at 9:00 a.m from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in West Street Cemetery in Granby. Donations may be made to the local Alzheimer's Association. For more information and to sign a memorial guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com. "