Rosaire John Fournier, lovingly known as “Rogie” to his family, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from complications after surgery. Born in Burlington on August 28, 1975, he was the son of Patsy N. Miller and David L. Fournier, and he proudly carried his grandfather’s name.
Rosaire graduated from Essex High School and attended Johnson State College, where he earned his BA in psychology. He was most recently employed by TDI Towing. This past year at TDI, backed by unwavering support from his TDI teammates and owner Herb, Rosaire loved the work; he showed up with a smile, lifted spirits and did whatever it took to take care of the customer. Earlier in his life, he devoted himself to helping young people through roles at Northwestern Counseling and Support Services, BFA Fairfax, and Laraway Youth & Family Services.
Each summer for 19 years, he headed off to Camp Daybreak, where he rekindled his purpose: lifting up kids and, in turn, being changed by them. Friends remember him as incredibly intelligent and a gentle giant who created remarkable connections with campers and volunteers alike. He later brought that same heart and energy to Camp Thorpe.
Rogie’s passions were many. He treasured time outdoors, hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers. A devoted Boston Bruins fan, he shared countless evenings with his mom, and with Dustin and Sam, cheering on the Bruins over pizza.
Rosaire is survived by his father, David L. Fournier; his siblings: Tammy (Glenn) Fournier Johnson of Milton, Nicole (Fred) Fournier Grisgraber of Jeffersonville, G. Dustin (Melissa) Bates of Colchester, Samantha Miller of St. Albans, Jesse Hendee Fournier of Highgate, Devin Fournier of South Burlington, Joseph Bates of Highgate and Joshua Bates of Highgate. He is also survived by his cousin, Stacie Bilodeau, with whom he shared a special friendship fostered through their years together at Camp Daybreak, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his mother, Patsy N. Miller (June 27, 2020); his brother, David L. Fournier II (November 15, 2001); his grandparents, Rosaire J. Miller (September 30, 1997), Veronica T. Miller (January 3, 2004) and Marion A. Gratton (January 11, 2011); stepmother, Linda J. Fournier (April 16, 2021); uncle, Peter M. Fournier (November 23, 2009); and cousin, Peter M. Fournier Jr. (September 18, 2020).
Rosaire gave the gift of life by being an organ donor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide in memory of Rosaire. By mail, make checks payable to Stop Soldier Suicide, Inc. and send to PO Box 670212, Dallas, TX 75267-0212. Or online at stopsoldiersuicide.org (select “Dedicate this donation Rosaire Fournier”).
Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1 to 4 p.m., at TDI, 50 Babbie Blvd., Swanton. Inurnment at St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery (996 Main St., Fairfax, VT) will take place at a later date.
Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
This article appears in Oct 15-21 2025.