Joseph Eugene Boivin

RUMFORD - Rumford resident Joseph Eugene Boivin, 70, died January 30, 2010 after a year-long campaign to survive cancer.
     A life-long champion of community service, Eugene, “Gene”, was born and raised in Rumford, the son of Meride J and Germaine Jolin Boivin. He graduated from Stephens High School.
     In 1966 Eugene married his sweetheart Geraldine “Gerry” DuPaul; they were married for 43 years. Together they raised their two children, Summeranne and Christopher Boivin.
     Eugene began his 30+ year firefighting career with the Rumford Fire Dept., moving up to become fire chief until his retirement in 1989. During his tenure, he served as president of the Maine Fire Chief’s Association and was recognized with Certificates of Appreciation from the Maine Forest Service, the American Red Cross, and the State Fire Marshall. He was known for his bean hole beans at firemen’s fundraising events.
     He served six years in the Army National Guard, was elected to the MSAD #43 School board, headed the Rumford Democratic Committee, and served as a Rumford town selectman. He volunteered for the Hope Association and Rumford’s Charter Commission, Information Center, and Rotary Club. Most recently, he donated countless hours to help families build their own homes with Community Concepts, Inc.
     His unwavering dedication to others earned him Rumford’s Citizen of the Year Award, Volunteer of the Year Award by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, and a Commissioner’s Award from the Maine Dept. of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. 
     When not working or volunteering, Eugene could be found putting his creative talents to use at home or in his community. He enjoyed designing and creating stained glass artwork. Eugene sculpted the steel silhouette Native American scene found on the edge of Rumford Falls near the J. Eugene Boivin Park, recently dedicated in his name. He also designed and built the waterwheel, which is attached to the Rumford Information Center.
     He loved to travel and spent ample time in La Baie, Quebec, where he fostered his Canadian heritage and nurtured his friendships with Lucien and Yolande Morin, and the Dallaire brothers, amongst many others.
     Eugene will always be remembered for his welcoming nature. It was his daily mission to help family, friends and his community. He had a keen mind, a courageous spirit, and a huge heart. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     The family would like to extend a thank you to our friends, including Deborah Koliche, Cam and Lilly Luu, Alyce Hines and her husband, the late Jim Hines, Dr. Robert and Joyce Saisi, Dr. Albert, and Dr. Monique Aniel. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses of Rumford Hospital and Androscoggin Home Health. You all showed such devotion in caring for Eugene throughout his last year.
     He is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Boivin; daughter, Summeranne Reynolds and her companion, Seth of Waterville; son, Christopher Boivin and his companion, Jennifer of Leeds; brother, J. Arthur Boivin of Rumford; sisters, Marie Cecile Parker and husband, James, and Marie Jeannette Neuman and husband, Dale, all of Boise, ID; grandchildren, Kayla Garey, Christa Noble, Ricky Morrow, Dyson Morrow, Krishtiana Morrow, Seth Brown, Rose Piscuskas, Brittany Morse, James Boivin, Autumn Boivin, and Joshua Boivin; great-grandchildren, Landon Mitchell and Bryella Leighton.
     Eugene was predeceased by his parents, and sister-in-law, Lyanne Boivin.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Parish of the Holy Savior (St. Athanasius & St. John Catholic Church), officiated by Fr. Raymond Picard, who also officiated at Eugene’s wedding. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hope Association, 85 Lincoln Ave., Rumford, ME 04276.