2018 -- S 2888

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LC005680

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DONALD P. BOUCHER

     Introduced By: Senator Dawn M. Euer

     Date Introduced: May 15, 2018

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this Senate has learned of the untimely passing of

Donald P. Boucher, the beloved husband of Esther Boucher, and the loving father of Lora

Dearing and her husband, Michael, Rebecca Gauna and her husband, Louie, Melissa Foglesong,

David Boucher and his wife, Abby, Brian Boucher and his wife, Gabby, John Boucher, Daniel

Boucher and his wife, Jane, and Deborah, Timothy, Emily, Angelina, Giada and Hazel Boucher.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends; and

     WHEREAS, On May 7, 2018, Mr. Boucher was killed in a horrific accident after the

motorbike he was driving collided head-on with a Jeep. His wife reflected on the fragility of life

stating "…It is a constant reminder ... We are not promised tomorrow"; and

     WHEREAS, Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Mr. Boucher was the son of the late

Joseph and Eugenie Boucher, and the brother of Joan Martin, Paul Boucher, Rene Boucher,

Simone Costa, and the late Joseph Boucher. He was the son-in-law of Rodney Sowalskie; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Boucher was a graduate of New Bedford High School and received his

Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. Continuing his education, he

received an advanced diploma in practical theology from International Seminary, his Master's

degree in Management and Leadership from Warren National University, and his Doctor of

Philosophy in Theology from Atlantic Coast Seminary; and

     WHEREAS, Civic minded and devoted to those in need, Mr. Boucher was a member of

the Newport Zoning Board of Review, and had been very active in issues affecting the homeless.

He served as Director of Housing First and homeless services at Riverwood Mental Health

Services in Barrington and Providence, and had been instrumental in bringing Housing First to

Newport; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Boucher shared his time and talents with a number of community and

civic associations including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island

Coalition for the Homeless, working with Bethlehem Center Interdenominational Homeless

Outreach, and was the founder and President of Gates of Praise Ministries; and

     WHEREAS, "Well-liked and highly regarded," Don Boucher leaves a legacy of true

dedication and empathy for his fellow man, and will be deeply missed by all who had the good

fortune to have known him; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby extends deepest condolences on the passing of Donald P. Boucher; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Esther Boucher and Family.

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LC005680

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