WILFRED BEAUDOIN

WILFRED BEAUDOIN BURLINGTON - Wilfred (Willie) Joseph Beaudoin, 84, of Burlington passed away in his home on Aug. 18, 2009, after a long illness. He was born in Dracut, Mass. on July 31, 1925, to Joseph and Anna Beaudoin. In 1937, his family moved to Burlington, where he attended St. Anthony's Church and School. Wilfred enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving on an aircraft carrier during World War II. After the war, he joined the Vermont Air Guard as a Traditional Guardsman. He married his penpal, Lillian Grenier of Lowell, Mass. in 1946 and was blessed with four children, Pauline Beaudoin of Colorado Springs, Colo., Diane Nichols and husband David of Charlotte, Vt., Roger Beaudoin and wife Poli of Chapin, S.C., and Nancy Sakamoto and husband Nate of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was Pepere to 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His employment history began with his dad Joseph at Champlain Radiator. In 1950, he became a proud member of the Burlington Police Dept., and in 1963 to 1968, became an investigator for the Burlington Welfare Dept. For the next 15 years, he was an automobile salesman and retired with The Burlington Electric Dept. Willie loved music. As a jazz guitarist, he fronted a dance combo for 25 years performing at various local clubs, fraternities and weddings. Along with his brother Louis and other family members, he played guitar and fiddle with La Famille Beaudoin, a traditional French Canadian music group who not only entertained at several concerts and festivals in the New England area, but were also invited to perform at President Carter's inauguration,the Smithsonian Institute and several other venues. After Louis' death in 1980, Willie was encouraged to continue the tradition that he loved so much. They performed on the Prairie Home Companion show, the Andy Williams Christmas Special at Shelburne Museum and various folk festivals. Willie continued experiencing his love for music by getting together with his many musician friends from Quebec who will greatly miss his guitar accompaniment. He also enjoyed playing music at the Florida retirement community, where he and his wife spent their winter months until 2001. Along with his love of music, Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing and flying. He has owned several aircraft during his flying years and also served on the Airport Commission from 1972 to 1983. Willie was a lifetime member of The Elks Club, loved talking politics whenever he found someone with a listening ear, and was a handy man who was always looking for projects around his and his childrens' homes. Wilfred is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna, and brothers, Louis, Robert and Alfred. Visiting hours are from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., with an Elks service at 7 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Ready Funeral Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Parish, 305 Flynn Avenue on Monday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m., with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery, So. Burlington. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or St. Anthony Parish. To send online condolences to the family please visit www. readyfuneral.com .