IVAL R. ‘BUD’ CIANCHETTE

FALMOUTH – Ival R. “Bud” Cianchette, 83, Cianbro co-founder, passed away Nov. 5, 2009, after a brief illness. Last month at a celebration of Cianbro’s 60th anniversary, in Cianchette’s beloved hometown of Pittsfield, he told an audience of more than 400 Cianbro team members that he had led a charmed life. “In my obituary, it should say, ‘the luckiest man in the world just left us.’ If all of you are as lucky as I’ve been, you’re just going to have a great life because I certainly have.” Those were his words. His family would say that they are the luckiest people in the world to have had such a kind, generous and loving man in their lives. Bud’s long and accomplished biography began July 19, 1926, when he was born to Ralph and Edna Cianchette, the fifth of their seven children. Bud realized the value and rewards of hard work early in life as a newspaper delivery boy. At only 10 years old, he was the youngest winner in a Press Herald and Sunday Telegram statewide circulation contest. The prize was a trip to Washington, D.C., and the memories of that trip were an inspiration and a source of pride for the rest of his life. Bud attended Pittsfield schools and graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1944. In the fall of that year he was drafted into the Army and went to Europe, where he remained as part of the occupation forces until discharged in October 1946. Upon his return to Pittsfield, he joined with his brothers and together they formed a new construction firm, Cianchette Brothers, Incorporated, the forerunner of today’s Cianbro. Bud was president, chairman and then chairman emeritus from 1962 until his passing. With a natural instinct for business, the qualities of a true leader and with uncompromising integrity, Bud, along with his brothers, steered Cianbro into one of the most respected construction firms in the nation. In 1980 Bud achieved national prominence by becoming president of Associated General Contractors of America, the nation’s leading construction trade association, representing more than 32,000 construction firms across the United States. The foundation for Bud’s life was his family, Cianbro and his race horses. He owned and operated Cianchette Stables, which bred, raised and trained hundreds of Standardbred horses. They raced at tracks from Maine to Florida during a span of nearly 50 years, and though he often traveled to watch them, his favorite races were at the agricultural fairs throughout Maine. Bud was a truly selfless man who contributed his vision and talent to numerous organizations throughout the years. He believed in service to others and lived by a motto attributed to his mother, “always give more than you take.” He served as president or chairman of Associated General Contractors of Maine, Associated General Contractors of America, Dragon Products Co., Maine State Harness Racing Commission, Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, Northeast Chapter of Maine Maritime Academy Association, Council on Development at Maine Central Institute, Executive Committee of Sebasticook Valley Hospital and Maine Chapter of the Newcomen Society of the United States. He was vice president of Confederation of International Contractors Associations. Bud also served as a director of SAD 53, Maine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Road Information Program, AGC Education and Research Foundation, Portland Cement Association, Phoenix Cement Co., Coastal Cement Co., American Charter Co., Maine National Bank, Fleet Bank of Maine, LaVerdiere’s drug stores, United States Trotting Association, Lewiston Raceways and Standardbred Owner’s Association of Massachusetts. Bud was also a member of Consulting Constructor’s Council of America, American Institute of Constructors, Maine Better Transportation Association, New Hampshire Good Roads Association, The Beavers, The Moles, Advisory Council of the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, University of Maine Foundation, Mason at Meridian Lodge No. 125, Pittsfield; and Shriner at Anah Temple Shrine, Bangor. Bud was also appointed a member of the Judicial Compensation Commission, State of Maine. The idea of giving wasn’t limited to Bud’s professional affiliations. It didn’t matter if someone asked to borrow a tool from his garage or for a contribution to a worthy cause – the answer was always “yes.” Bud also loved gardening and often joked that although he made a living as a contractor, he was really a farmer at heart. He had a huge vegetable garden at his house and for many years planted a field at his horse farm. He took great delight in distributing his bounty to neighbors, family and friends. Bud was predeceased by his parents; and five of his siblings, Carl Cianchette, Norris Cianchette, Clair Cianchette, Marilyn Pelletier and Alton Cianchette; and his son-in-law, Joseph Koch. Bud is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Priscilla Winslow Cianchette; and their children, Thomas Cianchette and wife, Bonnie, Earle Cianchette and wife, Maryellen, Susan Koch, Mark Cianchette and partner, Jill McAllister, and Peter Cianchette and wife, Carolyn. Bud leaves 10 grandchildren and thee great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Cianchettte and wife, Lucette; sisters-in-law, Ethel Cianchette, Marilyn Cianchette Helen Cianchette; many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at First Baptist Church, 237 Main St., Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Associated General Contractors Education and Research Foundation, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201 or Opportunity Farm For Boys and Girls, P.O. Box 65, New Gloucester, ME 04260. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Cianchette family by visiting Bud’s guest book at www.mem.com.