Chandler Boutet, age 79, of Saco, Maine, passed away early this morning, less than three months after finding out that he had an advanced case of lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Lorraine Boutet. his daughters Barbara, Janice, Patricia and Kathleen, two great-grandchildren, Alanna and Alexandra, and four grandchildren: Tonya, Paul, Jill, and me.
My Pepere (a french nickname for grandfather) was just an all around great guy. He loved sailing, and golfing and Coors Lite and barbeques. Barbeques always remind me of him; his birthday was the fourth of July and the relatives usually gather somewhere on that day to engage in some marathon eating and talking - our family hobbies. When my mom was a little girl she thought for the longest time that the fireworks were in honor of Pep's birthday, because that's what he'd told her. (It's funny the things that stick with you; my father once told me that there were no adults in the Charlie Brown cartoons because they were all on vacation together.)
Pepere had a great sense of humor - dry and dirty. He was a mechanic by trade for many years, so he could fix any car or most anything else that was broken. If me and Tonya didn't get enough of the legit fireworks on his birthday, he could make some fantastic illegal explosions with acetylene gas from the garage. He could also make some crazy good popcorn with one of those old-fashioned oil poppers and massive amounts of salt and butter. On Christmas Eve he used to take me and Tonya all bundled up in our pajamas and parkas to look at the firehouse decorated with lights for the holidays.
He was the life of any party and if there is a heaven I know he is surely there, probably tending the bar or organizing limbo matches for the other residents. He was a wonderful father and husband, and a loving Pepere. I'll miss him.
Comments (7)
We buried my granddaddy one month ago today. I like to believe that Granddad is giving your Pepere the grand tour right about now, maybe chitchatting about the Cubs and their respective brilliant granddaughters. I love you and your family. My heart is with you all right now.
Posted by Julie | September 11, 2005 11:38 PM
Posted on September 11, 2005 23:38
oh sweetie, i am so so sorry.
i miss both of my grandfathers deeply but i relish in the fact that i had all four grandparents for 30 wonderful years!!! actually i had six because i had two terrific step grandparents too. ironically the monument unveiling for my poppy is next sunday.
just remember that you were so lucky to have pep in your life as long as you did and that he will always be watching over you from heaven.
i love you much and am sending you a big virtual hug and kiss...
Posted by kimber | September 11, 2005 11:53 PM
Posted on September 11, 2005 23:53
The world has lost a special person, but those in heaven (and there IS a heaven!) have been celebrating Pep's arrival since he got there!! We were with him when he took his last breath, and it was peaceful. He loved you very much...when you hold court with one of your funny stories, I know where you got that gift. Daddy was chosen to be subject of the Portland Press Herald's featured obituary. You can read his obit, which we all wrote at the kitchen table, as well as the feature article at www.pressherald.com. I believe the obits are there for 7 days. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. I love you tons!
Auntie Jan
Posted by Auntie Janice | September 12, 2005 8:11 AM
Posted on September 12, 2005 08:11
Somehow I'll bet my Bigdaddy has found Pepere's growing posse and they in the midst of a big party right now!
Love you, my friend, and sending you big hugs and kleenex and hot tea:)
Posted by Kate | September 14, 2005 9:59 AM
Posted on September 14, 2005 09:59
Oh Jess...I'm SO sorry. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful person, and I was keeping my fingers crossed that it wouldn't be so fast. My grandmother found out that she was sick two weeks before last Christmas, and died on the 4th of January. Death is harsh, funerals are tearful; stay strong, because after the tears you are able to remember all the golden memories. I love you babe!
Melissa
Posted by Melissa | September 14, 2005 12:54 PM
Posted on September 14, 2005 12:54
I am so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts are with you.
All my love,
Michael
Posted by Northumberland | September 14, 2005 2:32 PM
Posted on September 14, 2005 14:32
Jessica, I just checked your website and am so sorry to hear about your Pepere. I had not heard from Susan or anyone at WFofR about his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It isn't easy, but the love continues forever and actually grows!! Hang in there. I will see you Sunday night. Love, Mart
Posted by Martha Stewart | September 15, 2005 8:34 AM
Posted on September 15, 2005 08:34