MILLINOCKET – Vinal D. Boutaugh, 64, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012, in Peabody, Mass., after an extended illness. He was born July 10, 1947, in Millinocket, the son of John J. and Berdina M. (Oakes) Boutaugh.
Vinal grew up in Millinocket and was a graduate of Stearns High School, class of 1965. He served a tour in the U.S. Army, and then returned to Millinocket, where he went to work for Great Northern Paper Co. Vinal worked for Great Northern Paper for 28 years as a pipefitter. He was a member of Elliott Stinson Post No. 4154, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Donald V. Henry Post No. 80, American Legion; and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 1521, Millinocket. Vinal was a brave man who showed courage throughout his life. Despite the challenges associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Vinal never dwelled on his personal struggles and always kept a positive outlook on life, showing kindheartedness to those around him. He was a true example of perseverance and strength with a remarkable and unfailing love for his family and friends. Some of his enjoyments in life were playing pitch and cribbage, hunting and fishing, and he had a true passion for dogs, especially his golden retrievers, Sam and Chance.
Vinal is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ann L. (Hines) Boutaugh of Millinocket; three children, Christie Brown and her husband, Steve, of Carmel, Thomas “TJ” Boutaugh and his wife, Carolina, of Hampden and Shawn Boutaugh, currently stationed at CNIC Naval Base, San Diego; three grandchildren, Colby and Curtis Brown, and Joshua Boutaugh; five siblings, Rowena Farmer, Benjamin Boutaugh and his wife, Chu, Donna Gallant and her husband, Bill, Sharon Tanous and her husband, Greg, and Barbara McLean and her husband, Robert; brothers-in-law, Jim Hines and his wife, Shirleen, and Bob Hines and his wife, Rita; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Vinal was predeceased by two brothers, John O. Boutaugh and Michael C. Boutaugh; a brother-in-law, John Farmer; a niece, Jalene Farmer; and a nephew, Tyler Boutaugh.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Millinocket Cemetery. After the service, a gathering honoring his life will be held at the American Legion, Central Street, Millinocket. Gifts in memory of Vinal may be sent to Canine Companions for Independence, 286 Middle Island Road, Medford, NY 11763, www.cci.org or American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Fund, 2200 Lake Blvd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.rheumatology.org/ref/. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, Millinocket. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.