Laconia-Claude Yvon Drouin, 76, of Lafayette Street, died Tuesday morning, June 26, 2007 at Lakes Region General Hospital surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Claude was the son of the late Emile J. and Rose M. (Groleau) Drouin. He was born in St. Philibert, Quebec, Canada on May 3, 1931. He was raised in Coburn Gore, Maine before moving to Laconia in 1942 where he made his home.
Prior to his retirement, Claude worked for the former Scott & Williams, Inc. as a foreman for 22 years. After the closing of Scott & Williams, Inc., Claude was employed as the Superintendent of Maintenance for Sacred Heart Church as well as the Sexton of Sacred Heart Cemetery for 21 years. Never really being one to retire, Claude most recently was employed at Millennium Motor Sales, Inc. in Gilmanton as the Head Driver.
An avid golfer, Claude was a member of the Laconia Country Club for 44 years. At the age of 75 he achieved a proud moment in his game, he scored his age during a memorable round of golf locally. He was an accomplished woodworker who was very proud of his workshop. He took great pride in his work with attention to detail making many beautiful pieces for his family, from furniture, to frames, to facsimiles of American Girl Furniture for his grandchildren, right down to the finest of details. Claude always had a goal, and was the one in charge. His love for his family was unconditional; he had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren doing all that he could for them from making things for them to being sure they always had a ride to where they needed to be.
Honorably serving his country, Claude was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean War as a radio operator remembering Morse Code until the time of his death. He attained the rank of Sergeant in two years which was something he was very proud of. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church.
Besides his parents Claude is predeceased by one brother, Wilbrod Drouin.
Claude is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet C. (Breton) Drouin of Laconia; his son, Robert G. Drouin and his wife Cindy of Grafton; his daughter, Susan J. Finnie and her husband Ian of Belmont; four brothers, John, Henry, Roch, and Benoit Drouin all of Laconia; two sisters, Emiliette “Mimi” Beaudoin of Meredith, and Jeanne-Mance Dionne-Lambert of Laconia; four grandchildren, Alana Finnie, Jenna-Rose Finnie, Mark Blanchette, and Christopher Drouin. Many nieces and nephews also survive Claude.
Visiting hours were on Friday, June 29, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Simoneau-Paquette Memorial, 139 Church Street, Laconia. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia at 11:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors followed in the family lot in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in Claude’s name may be made to the Sacred Heart Youth Trust, or to the Sacred Heart Capital Improvement & Maintenance Trust, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.