Gilford----Leon E. Poire died at Lakes Region General Hospital Sunday, September 10, 2017 following a period of failing health. His loving wife, Rita was by his side, he was surrounded by family and friends.
Leon was born May 2, 1938, the son of Leon J. and Viola Poire of Laconia NH, where he grew up and attended school. He enlisted in the United States Navy directly after high school and served as a Radioman, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He spent a lot of his time on the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War. After an honorable discharge in 1959, he returned home to Laconia with his wife Rita to raise a family.
Leon pursued his passion for firefighting when he joined the Laconia Fire Department in 1960. He loved everything about this heroic field and advanced through the ranks until ultimately becoming Captain in Laconia from 1971- 1974. Unfortunately he career was cut short when he sustained injuries while battling a fire. He retired in 1974 but always kept in close contact with his fire department family. He then went on to a sales position at John Hancock insurance company where he received many awards for his excellence in sales. He retired in 1995.
Leon was an avid outdoorsmen, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping his entire life. He spent a great deal of time camping with his family and traveling across the United States in his motor home with his wife Rita.He was always ready to tell a great story of the many adventures he had in the outdoors. Above all his greatest love was for his family, he was a wonderful provider and support system.
Leon is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rita A. (Leroux) Poire of Gilford, a son Michael Allen Poire of Gilford; a daughter, Pamela Girardin and her husband, Stephen of Sanbornton; four grandchildren, Tyler, Travis, Amanda and Christopher; three great-grandchildren, Paisley, Carter and Madison. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brother, Donald Poire and his beloved dog, Angel.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A funeral service will follow at 6:00pm also at the funeral home.
A private burial will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.
For those who wish, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Laconia Firefighters Relief Association 848 N. Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or the New Hampshire Humane Society P.O. Box 572 Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.