Sgt. Major Henry L. Therrien, 81, of Manchester died August 28, 2005 at Harborside Healthcare Northwood in Bedford after a long illness.
Born in Hooksett on July 26, 1924, he was the son of Armand and Corinne (Dionne) Therrien. He graduated from St Marie Grammar School and West High School both in Manchester where he lived most of his life.
During World War II he served in the US Army and saw active duty in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.
Sgt. Major Therrien served in the NH Army National Guard from 1948 until 1984 and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He retired as State Command Sergeant Major as the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the NH Army National Guard. He received many awards and decorations during his military career.
He was instrumental in establishing the Enlisted Men’s Club at the State Armory in Manchester and was heavily involved in establishing legislation authorizing New Hampshire Army and Air National Guard license plates.
He was a member of Jutras Post 43, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8214, the Intervale Country Club and the League of 1000 Men of the Precious Blood. He also served on the board of directors of the Jutras Post and at Intervale.
He was predeceased by a son, Norman Therrien in 1950.
The family includes his wife of 59 years, Lucille A. (Boufford) Therrien of Manchester; three children, Gerald R. Therrien of Manchester, Anita S. Therrien of William, OR and Dennis R. Therrien of Manchester; 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday September 1, 2005 in St. Marie Church, 378 Notre Dame Ave., Manchester. After cremation, burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Manchester.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or to the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester 03104.
Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St. Manchester assisted the family with arrangements.