Wilfred J. Kergaravat

12/23/2006

Wilfred J. Kergaravat, 80, of East Street died Saturday at home after a brief illness. Born in Lenox on May 4, 1926, son of Pierre M. and Marie-Anne LeGuera Kergaravat, he moved to France with his family when he was a baby, attended schools in Carhaix, province of Brittany, and graduated from high school there. At the age of 15, he served with the French Resistance in World War II. He escorted and assisted a local medical doctor as he performed his nightly medical rounds to assist the wounded and ailing members of the French underground. He acted a scout, keeping watch and signaling when German soldiers were near. His role was critical in the effort to deliver medical attention to the many sick allied servicemen, fellow Resistance members and pregnant women. In 1945, when he turned 18, he enlisted and served in the French Army for the remainder of World War II. He was employed by Kimberly-Clark Corp. in Lee, where he held various positions, including machine tender, retiring in 1991 after 37 years of service. Mr. Kergaravat enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. He was a fan of the New York Yankees. He and his wife, the former Marie-Yvonne LeGuern, were married in France on Feb. 25, 1952, and came to this area to make their home in 1953. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Jean-Claude Kergaravat of Lee; a sister, Marie-Anne Loheac of Carhaix, France; and three grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Mr. Wilfred J. Kergaravat, who died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, also leaves his loving grandchildren, Joel Kergaravat of Somerville, James Kergaravat of Stoneham and Brittany Kergaravat of Housatonic; his daughter-in-law, Kathy Kergaravat of Lee; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral will be Thursday morning at 9 a.m. from ROCHE FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the funeral home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.

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