 1923 - 2008 (84 years)
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| Name |
Laurier Wilfred Bissonnette |
| Born |
11 Apr 1923 |
Claremont, New Hampshire, USA  |
| Gender |
Male |
| Buried |
2008 |
Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont, Sullivan, New Hampshire, United States |
| Died |
26 Jan 2008 |
Windsor, Vermont, USA |
| Person ID |
I15607 |
Family Tree |
| Last Modified |
18 Aug 2013 |
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| Event Map |
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 | Born - 11 Apr 1923 - Claremont, New Hampshire, USA |
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| Married - 31 May 1943 - Claremont, New Hampshire, USA |
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 | Married - 27 Sep 1970 - Weathersfield, Vermont, USA |
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 | Buried - 2008 - Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont, Sullivan, New Hampshire, United States |
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 | Died - 26 Jan 2008 - Windsor, Vermont, USA |
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| Pin Legend |
 : Address
 : Location
 : City/Town
 : County/Shire
 : State/Province
 : Country
 : Not Set |
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| Notes |
- Laurier Wilfred "Biz" Bissonnette died peacefully at the Mount Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, VT on January 26, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Claremont, NH on April 11, 1923 the son of Wilfred and Eva (Collins) Bissonnette.
He was a resident of Weathersfield, VT for the past 37 years, formerly a resident of Claremont for 47 years. He was a graduate of Stevens High School in the Class of 1942
and served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1945.
He married Mae Belle Putnam on May 31, 1943 in Claremont. She pre-deceased him January 27, 1969.
He later married Beth Hayward Kidder on September 27, 1970 in Weathersfield, VT.
He worked for Bryant Chuck and Grinder Corp. in Springfield from 1953 to 1963 and for twenty years as a design engineer for Vermont Research Corporation in Springfield, retiring in 1983.
Biz had many interest and hobbies. He was a ham radio operator (W1USB). He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and loved to cook.
For several years he co-owned a 92 foot two-mast schooner, Homer Dixon, and loved to sail on Lake Champlain. He was a fine wood craftsman building kitchen cabinets, furniture, a 6-ft. kayak, and toys for his children and for church bazaars. He was a gifted musician. He played trumpet for 45 years, turning professional after his return from WW II. He was a member of Yacht Club Orchestra and several local bands. He was always proud of a telegram that he received in August of 1946 from famous big band leader Harry James inviting him to audition for the Harry James Orchestra in New York City. He declined the invitation, opting instead to remain in Claremont with his family. In 1969, he learned to play the flute under the tutelage of flutist Louis Moyse. He studied jazz theory and was a former member of the Hanover Flute Choir and, in recent years, was a member of the Bob Brown Jazz Band. He also taught flute locally.
Biz was a very active member of the Ascutney Union Church for 36 years and served in many capacities including as Deacon and member of the Music Committee. He worked on church suppers, Men's Breakfasts, sang in the choir, played the flute for services and assisted with services at the Cedar Hill Nursing Facility in Windsor, VT.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Kidder Bissonnette of Windsor, VT; one daughter, Janice E. Heighes and her husband William of Claremont; one son, Richard A. Bissonnette of Claremont; one step-daughter, Linda Tisdale and her husband, Paul of Grantham; one step-son, Robert Kidder and his wife, Linda of Weathersfield, VT; six grandchildren, Laurie Mae Branch and her husband, Raymond "Wally", William S. Heighes and his wife, Brenna, Mary Heighes Santaw and her husband Stanley Jr. all of Claremont, Christian E. Heighes of Cheyenne, WY, Travis Bissonnette and his wife Michelle of
Rochester and Lance Bissonnette and his wife Kelley of Blackwell, MA; six great-grandchildren, Jessica Branch, William and Timothy Heighes, DJ, Dean and Emma Santaw all of Claremont.
He was also predeceased by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Bissonnette in 1949 and two step-sons, David and William Kidder.
Committal will be in St Mary's Cemetery in Claremont.
(bio by: Janice Prichard)
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