 BOUCHARD, DONALD F. March 13, 2014 (76 years old). Born in Manchester, NH, where he developed a life-long craving for fried clams and had a very happy childhood; then a stint in the army; an undergraduate degree from University of New Hampshire; a magical courtship period in NYC with his soon-to-be best friend and wife; received his Ph.D. from SUNY at Buffalo; and began a rewarding, satisfying career as a Professor of English at McGill University in Montreal. In the early 80's he moved to Albuquerque (to escape the cold) and changed his profession to software sales and business consultation. Living life to the fullest with his warmth, humor, irreverent, "insanely intense intellectual" excitement, "glass-half-full" attitude, Don was a true Renaissance man, his scholarly works ranging from John Milton, to French deconstructionist, Foucault, and then on to a book about Hemingway, So Far From Simple, and among his best writing, his annual Christmas letter that was probably the only one friends and family received that was always awaited and appreciated. All this was rounded out by his love for traveling, fly-fishing, hiking, teaching, playing classical piano, reading philosophers and spy thrillers, listening to Dave Brubeck, Carole King and James Taylor, enjoying anything chocolate, a glass or two of scotch, and being annoyed with MSNBC's Chris Matthews. Yet, when asked "What is the meaning of life?" his answer, always, was: "Family." His constant, cherished love for his wife of 50 years, Bebeann, his daughters, Nickay Manning and Alessandra Calhoun expanded to their husbands, William Manning and Kenneth Calhoun, and to the best grandchildren, bar none, Zachary, Caitlyn, Jessica, and Scott. His brothers, Roland (wife, Carolyn) and Raymond (wife, Michelene) will miss his frequent, random telephone calls and teasing, as will his sisters-in-law, Christine Pidgeon and Lynette Nisbet whose husband, Lee, acted as a sounding board on matters both philosophical and practical: the locations of the best fishing streams. He also cared about nephews Jeffrey, Craig, Michael and Paul, and nieces Meghan, Ann and Susan and grand nieces and nephews and many cousins. "Love your fate," as Don recently quoted Nietzsche, meant that he tackled his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis for over 4 years with a great deal of determination. The family extends their gratitude to all the professional and administrative staff of UNM's Cancer Center, especially Dr. Lee and Ms. Nguyen, who eased his pains and to the loving care he received in the past month from Leslie, Kyle, Ryan, and Erica. A private celebration of his life took place March 22, 2014, at the home of dear friends Peter and Mary. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Don's honor to the UNM Cancer Center, (Development Office, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC07-4025, Albuquerque, NM 87131) or to NM Friends of Foster Children, PO Box 30228, Albuquerque, NM 87190. Please visit our online guestbook for Don at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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