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Lester Paquin Obituary
BARRE - Lester W. Paquin, 63, a lifelong resident of Barre, noted town historian and zealous advocate for Veterans' causes, died suddenly on March 11, 2021.
He was a 1975 graduate of Quabbin Regional High School and Mount Wachusett Community College. Lester was dedicated to many causes including honoring and assisting Veterans. He worked to bring Veterans memorials to Washington D.C. and Worcester and wrote a play, "Memorial: David's Peace," which depicts loved ones of a soldier killed in 1968 as they meet at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and recall their memories of him. For many years, Lester offered detailed programs about the "Titanic," "Lusitania" and "Andrea Dorea." He also offered presentations about the Lipizzaner Stallions, Seven Houses of God in Barre, the Naramore family tragedy, and portraits of local Civil War figures.
Lester served as a member of the Barre Historical Commission, Historical Society, Library Association and Library Trustees, holding offices for some of the organizations. He served as Secretary of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Board of Directors, was a longtime director of the Barre Senior Center and was active for many years with the Barre Players. He worked as an editor and writer at Worcester Publishing and penned a book about the city. He was employed by AIDS Project Worcester at the time of his death.
Among his loved ones, Lester leaves his mother, Jacqueline Paquin, to whom he was devoted, his partner John Tambeau, his brothers Sheldon and John (Cassandra), his niece Amanda and nephew Zachary. He was predeceased by his father, Charles L. Paquin Jr. He also leaves his two beloved dogs. A visitation will be held from 2:00PM-5:00PM on Sunday, April 4th, 2021, in the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 96 S. Barre Road, Barre, MA.
Donations in Lester's memory can be made to either the Barre Library Association, Box 731, Barre, MA 01005 or the Barre Historical Society, 18 Common St., Barre, MA 01005.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lester Paquin
Sponsored by Pillsbury Funeral Home, Inc. - Barre.
Patricia Price
March 10, 2025
Lester, I miss you very much. I'm saddened that you passed just before we moved into our new location that you worked so hard to assist in the move. You will always be remembered Lester. We have a room named after you. You would like that. Rest easy.
Patricia Price
March 12, 2024
I miss Lester every day.
Freddie Potenti-Barre Players
April 16, 2023
Miss you big time Lester. Thanks for dropping into my dream last night and saying hi.
Patricia Price - APW
March 10, 2023
I miss you so much Lester. I'm so sad you weren't able to come over to the new location with us. We named a room after you. You will never be forgotten.
Patricia Price
March 10, 2022
Lester, one year has passed and I miss you each and every day. You hold a place in my heart always. Rest easy Lester.
Beverly and Emerson {Sonny{ Brooks
April 4, 2021
Our deepest condolences to his family and John. Lester is truly missed.
Venerable Man Shing
April 2, 2021
I will never forget the wonderful conversations I had with you Lester. We always had a good laugh together you, John and I. You did a lot for this town and that speaks for itself. We miss you very much. May your next life be filled with beauty, laughter and wonder! I know in my heart that our paths will cross again. My heart goes out to your family and friends. A virtual hug I send ! Blessings Venerable Man Shing.
Marilyn Leader
April 1, 2021
Lester, you were such a a kind and wonderful presence in the lives of those around you. I will miss our chats about history, politics and literature.
Linda Payne
March 22, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Lester's family and friends. I've known Lester my whole life from waiting at the bus stop together in grammar school to working together at the Barre Library. He was always a good friend and will be missed.
Susan Dooley
March 20, 2021
When my father passed away a month ago, Lester was one of the first to offer condolences during a monthly zoom call. He was warm and kind from the day I met him at my first O´Callahan meeting years ago. I always enjoyed seeing him when I travelled from CA for the annual meeting and dinner. I will miss him the next time we can get together. RIP Lester
Dana S Hill
March 20, 2021
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Lester's family and friends. Lester and I had been friends since I started living in Barre back in 1966 at Stetson Home for Boys, we remained friends up to this day. My partner Steve and I are in great shock and sadness that Lester has passed. Love and Peace to you all and Lester, Rest In Peace my friend.
Jim Delehaunty Bill McCarthy Bill Dempsey Co-chairs O'Callahan Society
March 19, 2021
Our condolences to Lester's family and friends.
Lester was a founding member of the O'Callahan Society at Holy Cross. His commitment to veterans' issues inspired his work with the Society, an alumni group dedicated to NROTC alumni and the midshipmen at the college. He was a valued member of the our Executive Committee, adding his perspective and experience. With his background in writing and theater, Lester could be counted on to play a lively and professional emcee role at our annual dinner on the Holy Cross campus, which was attended by midshipmen, families, and staff. He will be greatly missed, as well, for his personal qualities, his faithfulness, and good humor.
Bravo Zulu, Lester... rest in peace.
Widmark Donis
March 18, 2021
Lester you were a man of great character and advocate may you be at peace
Samuel L Payne
March 17, 2021
So sorry I haven't been more closely connected with Lester through the years. Seems we are always seeking the drummers discovering our rhythms. Hoping can we share the comfort and strength of solace in leaving too soon. Peace and love to my family <3
Sherry
March 17, 2021
Lester, for all you did for Barre and it´s people, your kind words and deeds, thank you my friend. You will be greatly missed. Rest in eternal peace.
Patricia Price
March 17, 2021
I will miss Lester very much. He was such a kind individual, always thinking of others before himself. Such a great writer and wonderful employee. Rest easy Lester.
Melinda
March 17, 2021
My heart breaks .. that I will never see his smiling face again He was such a special man .
David Mann
March 17, 2021
Very saddened of hearing of Lester's passing.
He was such a special kind caring giving man
I will always remember his laugh and sence of humor
RIP my friend.
Betsy Weiss
March 17, 2021
I was lucky to work along side of Lester for many years enjoying his Esprit De Corps and warmth. He was a sweet, fascinating individual with a heart the size of Barre. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.
Fred Potenti -Brimfield
March 17, 2021
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Lester´s family on his passing. Lester became a great friend from the moment we met at a Barre Players production in 1984. I went on to work with Lester in some of the finest plays ever produced on the Barre Stage, too many to mention, all Directed by Lester. He was a man of many talents and always involved in community projects. I hadn´t seen Lester for quite some time but in 2018 at my Fathers funeral, I looked up at the crowd and there was Lester...crying for Big Daddy. I was so honored to see him there. I´ll never forget Lester. Peace and loving memories to those he leaves behind. RIP my friend, love George, Charley, Dr. Berger & Brick.
Robert Antonelli
March 17, 2021
On behalf of the City of Worcester, DPW & Parks, Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division I send our condolences to Lester's Family and Friends. Lester was a great friend to Worcester's Parks and specifically to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Green Hill Park. He was a tireless advocate for this memorial and all veteran needs. He will be greatly missed.
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