Joseph Eugene Boivin

RUMFORD – Rumford resident Joseph Eugene Boivin died on Jan. 30, after a year-long campaign to survive cancer. He was 70 years old.

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-plus year firefighting career with the Rumford Fire Deptartment, 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 Department 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.

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, Idaho; 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.

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.