Brother Rene Demers, FIC, 80 PLATTSBURG, N.Y. -- Brother Rene Demers, FIC, died on Sept. 1, 2011, at the Champlain Medical Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y., at the age of 80, 61 of which were as a Brother of Christian Instruction. He was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Aug. 31, 1931, the son of Charles and Dora (Dubois) Demers. He entered the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1949 in Alfred. He made his novitiate in Oka, QC in 1950-1951. Br. Rene manifested a great devotion to the founder of the Brothers, Venerable John-Mary de La Mennais. Brother Rene completed his bachelor's degree at St. Francis College in Biddeford. In 1952, he started his teaching career with a brief stint at St. Peter's in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He then taught in the following schools: St. Joseph's School in Waterville, for 10 years at St. Louis High School in Biddeford, at Denis Hall Junior High School in Alfred and three years at Msgr. Prevost High School in Fall River, Mass. He was known to be a very devoted teacher, close to his students. In 1969 Brother Rene arrived in Plattsburgh where he taught accounting courses at Mount Assumption Institute. He took charge of the Alumni Association taking great pride in updating addresses of the alumni with whom he kept in touch via 'The Bridge,' the school alumni newspaper. He faithfully clipped from newspapers anything dealing with the school and its alumni. These 35 scrapbooks are of great historical value. He also enjoyed running a concession stand after school and at basketball games. In 1989 he was appointed Director of Foreign Students for the newly created Seton Catholic Central. He was actively retired until several years ago when health issues started taking their toll. Brother Rene was first of all a community man; one could always call on him for a variety of tasks. He took great pride in decorating the residence and the house chapel. He had a green thumb; his garden was a source of beauty. He was interested in jigsaw puzzles, often framing Brother Rene Demers, FIC them as gifts for his special friends. In the last four years he spent much time with his many friends at the Clinton County Senior Citizen Center, which he called his second home. In addition he had many long term friends from among his former students. He regularly volunteered for the Saturday Seton Bingo and the Knights of Columbus Bingo on Mondays. Br. Rene was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Morris L. Dwyer Council and of Bishop Wadhams 4th Degree, and a member of St. Peter's Parish. God has chosen to take his faithful servant home. He will live on in the hearts of his many nephews and nieces, alumni and friends. He will be especially missed by the members of his religious family, the Brothers of Christian Instruction. He is survived by one sister, Jeanne Sukwa of Fairhaven, Mass.; special niece, Carol Jean Baber of Howardsville, Va.; special grand-niece, Camille Rojas and her children, James and Alyssa Griffin; and by many other nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Raymond, Richard and Robert and by a sister, Theresa. The Rite of Reception of the Body will take place on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Chapel in Alfred. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Notre Dame Chapel. Burial will follow in the Brothers Cemetery in Alfred, after which a luncheon will be served. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider: The Brother Rene Demers Memorial Scholarship Fund, CVCS Alumni Association at Mount Assumption Institute 407 West Bay Plaza Plattsburgh, New York 12901