Michael H. Vaillancourt

69, of Marblehead, died at home surrounded by a loving family. He was born in Lewiston, Maine and was the son of the late Harvey and Solange Vaillancourt of Marblehead. Michael grew up in Marblehead, attended St. John's Prep in Danvers and graduated from St. Mary's in Lynn. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marines, and had one of his life's toughest challenges and best experiences. After four years in the Marines, he graduated from Boston University, and later went to work with his father, Harvey and brother, David in the family business, Carter Business Service. He was an avid sailor and spent many weekends racing 210s out of Marblehead Harbor with his family and friends. His love of the water and boats was reflected in his powerboat, "The Red Jacket" and his Hinckley Bermuda 40, "Morning Star". He sailed the Eastern seaboard from Block Island down east to the Canadian provinces, and also participated in the 1987 Marion-Bermuda Race, skippering the yacht "Morning Star". A longtime member of the Corinthian Yacht Club, he joined their annual summer cruises sponsored by the club. Turning to golf in his fifties, Michael became a member of the Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead and enjoyed both the golf and the camaraderie of the 19th hole members. Family was always important to Michael. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dory Louden-Vaillancourt, and his former wife, Pat Marshall. In addition, he will be greatly missed by his two children, his son Quin Vaillancourt and friend Kathi Kaligian, grandsons Wil Vaillancourt and Joey Vaillancourt, all of Marblehead; his daughter Michelle Vaillancourt and her husband Robert Beaudoin and their son, Andrew Beaudoin of Rowley; a stepson, Chuck Louden of San Francisco, and 2 stepdaughters, Lisa Louden and Kelly Pickering of Marblehead and four stepgrandchildren from Marblehead, Carlee, Cameron and Chloe Pickering, and Kasey Louden also survive Michael. Also surviving Michael are his brother, David Vaillancourt and wife Poppy of Wolfboro, NH and two sisters, Sally Anne Giar and her husband Tom of Oldsmar, FL and Suzanne Kvammen and her husband Bjorn of Landrum, SC. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Marblehead at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, July 30th. Following the Mass, family & friends are invited to attend a celebration of Michael's life at the Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Michael's name. Arrangements entrusted to the Eustis-Cornell Funeral Home, MARBLEHEAD.