Gary A. Vaillancourt

Gary Allan Vaillancourt passed away suddenly at the age of 72, while being treated at Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, NH on Monday September 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM. Gary was born in 1954 as the eldest son of Lionel Vaillancourt and Irene (Malasky) Vaillancourt. A lifelong resident of Berlin, NH, he grew up with his younger brothers, Mark, Brian, and Dennis, and his older sister, Gail. He graduated from Berlin Senior High School and later went to trade school to become an electrician. From the time he graduated until his retirement at 71, he worked in many different capacities under many different owners at the Berlin papermill complex, establishing himself as an indisputable pillar of operations, though he was happiest in his work as an electrician.

Gary met Linda Ashford through mutual friends, and they soon married on May 9, 1981. Gary and Linda built their life together in Berlin, raising two sons, Shaun and Calvin. Gary was a dedicated supporter of the family, with the security and safety of Linda, Shaun and Calvin his foremost goal. Gary was utterly devoted to Linda and made his care and love for her his core motivator in life. He eagerly engaged in her work in the blind community and was an ardent protector of her in all ways.

Throughout his life, his love for the great North Woods never waivered. He often escaped into the mountainous forest to hunt and explore. Gary was also an eager reader, specifically loving science fiction and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. He could often be found deeply engrossed in a book or walking around listening to science fiction audio books. He loved Irish music and culture, and enjoyed attending the Irish pub sings in Portland with his son, Calvin. The thrill of riding a motorcycle became a passion he shared with his son, Shaun, and they often went on long rides together. Simple pleasures brought him joy as well, and he could never resist solving puzzles, or a plate of fried seafood with some good fries and slaw.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10 AM at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, NH. Interment will follow at St. Kieran Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, September 14th, from 6-8pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Gary would prefer donations be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. (www.Fidelco.org) in memory of his wife Linda, who passed away three years ago. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.