It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Charles A. Boivin, 80, of Essex Junction following a fall at his home. Charles, Charlie, Chuck, Dad, and Papa, leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to all those he cherished.
Born in Brownwood, Texas, Charles faced many challenges in his younger years but emerged stronger and more determined to provide the best life possible for himself and his loved ones. His journey throughout his life was one of resilience, hard work and an endless capacity for unconditional love. He lived with honor and integrity, embodying the values that made a positive difference in the lives of so many. He truly was a blessing to the world, touching hearts and inspiring everyone he met.
He was the kind of man who never backed down from a problem—whether big or small. If he didn’t have the right tool to fix something, he was determined to find a way, improvise, and get the job done. This ability to tackle challenges extended far beyond household repairs; it reflected his approach to life, family, and service to others. His influence and wisdom shaped the lives of those around him, and his steadfast support made him a pillar of strength for his family and friends.
Charles graduated from Winooski High School and the University of Albany New York. He had a long and satisfying career in the U.S. Army and the Vermont Army National Guard retiring honorably in 1997. During his time in the National Guard, Chuck, as he was called by his fellow soldiers, made deep and long-lasting friendships which brought a lifetime of laughter, support, companionship, hugs, and many competitive games of dice. Thank you to Mike and Cheryl Goldstein, Lee and Byrd Graham, Mike and Lorraine Murphy, John and Phyllis Paro, Neil and Sue Abair for the cherished friendships that have developed over the past almost fifty years.
After a few years of retirement and way too many “Honey Do” lists from his wife, Chuck, accepted a job as a contractor for the DEA and spent the next ten years learning and working with a great group of people.
Through his military service and professional endeavors, he earned respect and admiration from all who knew him. His commitment to his country and community was a testament to his character and we honor his memory as a veteran and dedicated public servant.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie was a man of passion and joy. His love for his family was intense and unconditional. Nothing could compare to the pride and love he felt when surrounded by family. Whether it was playing at the beach in Maine, watching his girls and grandchildren play sports, directing or acting in school plays, listening to their voices in concerts, having an egg toss, teaching them how to play cribbage, hunting for Easter eggs, attending graduations, spending holidays together, or just enjoying a regular day, he never took that time for granted and his heart was filled with joy.
His love of golf with his treasured friends Ken, Mike, Lee, and Jim as well as many others who have passed on, brought him much peace and happiness, except for when his ball would occasionally land in the woods, water, or sand trap! Charlie also loved his time in Fayston during hunting seasons at his longtime friend Gilly Mongeon’s camp. There, he would reminisce with old friends from Winooski, catch up with each other since the previous November, walk and hunt in woods, play cards, and eat venison if one of the guys were lucky enough to shoot a deer.
Charlie met the love of his life Sandie Corrigan at a high school dance. This unexpected meeting led to two years of dating, and 57 years of marriage which produced two wonderful daughters, Missy and Kristin.
Charlie and Sandie enjoyed their vacations in Maine, traveling across the country, plays, concerts, U-32 hockey games, sitting on the swing in their backyard, watching the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, and savoring the beautiful flowers in their gardens. Charlie and Sandie were very much blessed to have each other to lean on, laugh with, raise a family, and to make wonderful loving memories together.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife Sandie, daughters Missy Clark and Kristin (Shane) Locke, grandchildren Alysha Clark, Erina (Nick) Halstead, Brandon Clark, Taryn (partner Doug Kaffel), Camryn, and Ryan Anderson, Makayla and Samantha (partner Gage Simpson) Locke, and great grandsons Bentley Clark and Rhett Halstead, brothers Garry (Gloria) and Carl (Teri) Boivin, sisters Lorie (Mike) McWhirter and Sherrie Nix, sister-in-law Judie (Larry) Blanchard, special niece Sherri (Lowell) Bertrand, great niece Sierra Bertrand as well as many other nieces and nephews. Charlie also leaves behind his lifelong friend Butch Carrier. Charlie was pre-deceased by his mother Essie Mae (Clifford) Bessette, stepfather Arthur Boivin, baby sister Sheryl, and his in-laws Claire and Archie Corrigan.
Charlie’s family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at UVM Medical Center, the Essex Junction Fire Department, and Essex Rescue for the respect, care, and compassion they showed to him and his family. Special thanks to AJ LeClair for his expertise, calmness, and compassion during this time as well as our beloved long-time family friends and neighbors, The Piche’s. Thank you for being by our side and for your love and support.
At Charlie’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Together we will remember Charlie’s un-wavering dedication, his endless compassion and the profound impact he made on our lives.
In lieu of flowers, should you be so inclined to contribute in Charlie’s name please consider:
The Josh Pallotta Fund, P.O. Box 542 Colchester, Vermont 05446 which is dedicated to supporting veterans and service members
Sleep in Heavenly Peace c/o Guy and Rita LaPlume, 750 West Milton Road, Milton Vermont 05468. Please make checks out to SHP of Chittenden County Vermont. Their mission is to prevent kids from having to sleep on the floor. They provide children with beds and bedding.