Gerard Poutre

CANAAN, VT-- Mr. Gerard “Jerry” Poutre, 86, of Lake Wallace in Canaan, Vt., died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, June 2, 2012, in West Stewartstown, NH. He was born in Troy, Vt., on January 26, 1926, a son of the late Leo and Antoinette (Larocque) Poutre. He attended school in Newport, Vt., and later served with honor in the U.S. Army during World War II. Jerry was an active member of the Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, and he was also member of the American Legion, Post 47, for over 60 years. Years ago, he owned Poutre’s Hardware & Appliance in Beecher Falls, Vt., and The Northland Hotel in Canaan, Vt. He was a snowmobile dealer for Boa Ski, Polaris and Arctic Cat, and he was an avid snowmobiler. Jerry was a Selectman for the Town of Canaan in the early 1960s. He had a passion for playing cards and loved to entertain family and friends at his home on the shore of Lake Wallace. Jerry had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. A childhood friend of his children recently referred to him as “the glue that kept the community together.” Jerry is survived by two daughters, Julie Poutre of St. Johnsbury, and Celine Poutre of Vermont; and his son, Jean-Pierre Poutre and wife Linda of Centreville, Va.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful four-legged companion “Bambi” who was always by his side, even at the hour of his death. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carmen Y. Poutre, on February 29, 2012; and a sister, Theresa Lanctot. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Albert’s Catholic Church in West Stewartstown on Thursday, June 7, at 11 a.m., with The Rev. Craig Cheney as celebrant. A reception for family and friends will be held in the parish hall following the Mass. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Poutre may be made to the North American Martyrs’ Parish for the benefit of St. Albert’s, 55 Pleasant St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Gerard Poutre

January 26, 1926 - June 2, 2012