Paul A. Boivin

1952 - 2017

ADDISON - Paul A. Boivin, 64, died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017.
Born Nov. 6, 1952. in Rumford, Maine, to Albert and Jacqueline Caron-Boivin, Paul was the youngest of six children. In 1958, his family moved to Addison, Vermont, to begin a life of farming.
After graduating Rice Memorial High School in 1971, he pursued a dairy farming career in partnership with his family. With his brother, Mark Boivin, the farm doubled in size and implemented many farming innovations. In cooperation with UVM, they installed the first solar-heated milking parlor in Vermont. After 50 years, the dairy farm was converted to production of soybeans and corn for feed and fuel. Later, with UVM, they did a controlled study of strip-till planting of corn in Addison County. Paul also managed the Boivin Farm Supply and the sale and installation of cornburning boilers.
Passionate about community service, Paul partnered with his brother, Mark, as a vocal and active participant in his community while milking twice a day. Paul worked on the planning commission for the town of Addison, was a founding member of Town Line First Response Squad, and served on the Addison fire department for a number of years. As a certified CPR instructor and EMTI, he was an active member on the Vergennes Rescue Squad for nearly four decades and trained fellow members of the Mad River Glen Ski Patrol, and many community organizations. Paul was instrumental in developing the Farm Medic Program which is used statewide to instruct the specialized skill for working with farmers. Paul also served his community though his work as a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
With a zest for life and a keen curiosity, Paul was very forgiving and never held a grudge. Along with the demands of farming, he was able to pursue many interests and had a willingness to help all whom he met. He was always eager to try new experiences and to share what he had learned from his participation in various sports and service organizations. His interests included hunting, skiing, kayaking, barbecueing, scuba diving, motorcycling, tinkering with machinery, traveling and flying. He enjoyed learning and visiting with people of all walks of life. A family man, Paul loved people, visiting and learning.
A loving husband, father, brother, owner, he is survived by his wife, Marianna Shadroui Boivin; his daughter, Aime; four siblings, Carmelita Boivin-Cole, Claire, John, Mark Boivin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert; and his good friend and pet, Biscuit.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, Sept. 29, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at St. Peter's Church in Vergennes. Paul strongly supported the immigrant community; therefore, contributions may be made in his honor to The Open Door Clinic, 100 Porter Dr., Middlebury, VT 05753. Please consider sharing your stories and memories of Paul in written form to be placed in a memory book for his family. Mail to the Brown-McClay Funeral Home. Send online condolences to www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.