John R. Boutin

John R. Boutin, 81, of Alfred, Maine died on August 21st with his family by his side.Born in Springvale, Maine, to Joseph and Marie Boutin, John was an avid woodworker and vegetable gardener who shared his talents with friends and family. John was a self-taught man who left school early to help support his family when his brother left for the Air Force, but worked diligently through the years to achieve his education. Throughout his adult life he worked at Goodall Sanford and Cyanamid before assuming the position of Dispatcher at Genest Concrete where he retired after 30 years.John had a life-long respect for the military having retired from the Maine Army National Guard after a 23 year career. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Janice, in the United States as well as to Germany, France, Italy, Austria and England. He was most pleased to visit E. Berlin prior to the fall of the Berlin wall. Over the years he was an avid walker and hiker who routinely walked 5 miles each day and climbed many of the 100 highest peaks of the Appalachians with friends and family, including his many grandchildren. After his retirement, John spent much time with his young grandchildren, taking them to construction sites to watch the trucks followed by a quick stop for donuts and chocolate milk. Pepere is remembered by his grandchildren for the energy, warmth and love that he was always willing to share. John is survived by his beloved wife Janice of 58 years, his children, Carol DeCourt, of Sanford, Donna Johnson of Brentwood, NH, Sharon Rausch of Bar Mills, Michael of Bowdoin and his niece, Ruth Frazier of Lyman as well as 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Cecile Genest of Sanford, Jeannette Legere of Wells, Maine and Mesa, Arizona and Theresa Cormier of Sanford. He is predeceased by his brother Joseph Boutin. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 26 at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Kennebunk, Maine. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Maine (www.alz.org).Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com