William J. Mathurin

CONWAY William J. Mathurin, born in 1923 in Bloomfield, Vt., the son of the late William and Florida Mathurin, died peacefully at home with his wife at his side after battling cancer for five years.As a young boy, Bill lived on the coast of Maine before he moved to Groveton, N.H. He attended Groveton High School, where he played football and baseball and developed his lifelong interest in sports. After graduation, he served three years as an Army medic in World War II. Bill was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge with the 322nd Medical Battalion, 97th Infantry division. The 97th Infantry Division was credited with firing the last official shot in the European theater of operation during World War II. Following his completion of service, Bill attended the University of New Hampshire, where he earned both BA and MA degrees. In 1952, Bill began his to teach and coach junior-high students in North Conway. In 1964, after 12 years of teaching in North Conway, he became the principal of the John H. Fuller Elementary School. Bill served as principal for 22 years and retired in 1986. Of his 34 years of working with children and their parents, Bill spoke of great enjoyment and satisfaction. During his years of retirement, Bill loved to play tennis, work in the yard and read. For many winters, he traveled to Jekyll Island, Ga., where he played more tennis and enjoyed long walks on the beach. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joan. Also, his daughter, Stephanie Mathurin, son-in-law, John Hedden, and three grandchildren, Adele, Lottie, and Philip Hedden, all of Washington, D.C. Bills sister, Elsie Donnelly, resides in Berlin, N.H. Bill was first and foremost a family man who liked nothing better than to spend time with those he loved.A memorial service will be held at Conway Village Congregational Church on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Jens Friends at P.O. Box 1842, North Conway, New Hampshire.The Furber and White Funeral Home in North Conway is in charge of arrangements.