Michael E. Boucher

Michael E. Boucher, 75, of Burlington died of natural causes on April 5, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center after years of declining health. He fought valiantly, but was ready to go home to his wife and boys.
Michael was born in Burlington on December 11, 1949, the son of the late Arthur Boucher and Ruth Viens Boucher. He graduated from Burlington High School, class of 1968. On November 4, 1967 he was married at St. Joseph's Church to the love of his life, Elizabeth Mary Gingras. A plumber by trade, he was the proud owner of "Mike Boucher's Plumbing and Heating" which he operated for years, often employing family members including sons, nephews, brothers, cousins and friends.
Mike loved his family deeply and would do anything for them. Everything he did was with or for his family or friends. If you needed help delivering bread, Mike was there to help. If you needed some plumbing done in the middle of the night, Mike was there. If you needed a
shoulder to cry on and someone to have a beer with, Mike was there. If a neighborhood kid needed a tooth pulled, "Mr. B" was the man. He selflessly gave up his holiday time to travel to the homes of friends and family every Christmas season to thrill countless children with a visit from Santa Claus. His reindeer could often be heard on the roof with their jingling bells.
Much of his free time was spent fishing and hunting. He loved spending time at his family's camp in East Calais. Throughout his life he passed on his passion for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He also loved boating on Lake Champlain on his pontoon boat. For many years he competed in the LCI Fishing Derby tirelessly fishing through wind and
rain and sometimes sun.
Mike also enjoyed gambling & traveling. He traveled throughout the country and abroad, gambling in casinos while cruising with friends and family. Every November he would have a special anniversary trip with Betty.
Mike spent many years on the ball field, playing or coaching his boys. He was an avid Red Sox fan. He had an infectious, mischievous smile and laugh. Always the life of the party, "Swivel Hips" would dance the night away, winning many twist contests along with his love, "Twinkle Toes".
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Cosgrove and husband Michael of North Ferrisburgh, daughter-in-law Aimee Boucher of Colchester, and son Scott Tougas and wife Lynn of Chesterfield, VA; grandchildren Timothy, Megan, Kyle, Trudy, Richard, MaryBeth, Elliot, Riley, and Austin and great granddaughter, Elena. Michael is also survived by his sister, Yvonne Deguise of St. Albans and brothers, Arthur (Joe) Boucher and his wife Donna of Burlington, Tony Boucher and his wife Patty of Colchester, Rick Boucher and his wife Brenda of Burlington; sister-in-law Ruthie Boucher, and lifelong friend Jerry (Hippie) Gervais. Mike is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Gingras) Boucher, sons Michael and Keith Boucher, sisters Susie Richling and Annette Walker and brother William (Billy) Boucher.
Visiting hours will be held at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, on Friday, April 11th from 4 to 7 pm. Interment will take place at noon on Saturday, April 12th at New Mount Calvary Cemetery, 57 Plattsburg Ave, Burlington. A celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, consider helping a friend or neighbor who needs it. Mike would love that.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.