LSJ Obituary

Major Edward Joseph Boucher

East Lansing

November 25, 1924 to September 19, 2017. Born in Middleborough, MA, to Ida and Fred Boucher, he grew up on a wooded homestead using oil lamps, a woodstove, a hand water pump and an outhouse.

He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943, and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1984. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1948, and studied language at the University of Florence, Italy, in 1949.

He married Kathryn Ann McCartney in 1948. They lived in Italy, and then returned to the Lansing area to raise their 3 children: Ted, Steven and Cara. Ed worked as an assistant to Governor Williams, and served as a public information specialist for the Michigan Departments of Transportation and State.

In retirement, he studied Italian at the University of Siena, Italy, taught Italian in area schools and at MSU, and served as a translator for several companies including Oldsmobile and Ford.

An avid gardener, he loved to grow food and share it with his many friends and acquaintances. It was not unusual for him to drop off tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, apples and grapes. He was always willing to lend a hand, wrench, shovel or tractor when needed. Ed loved talking with everyone he met. He learned from others and taught many in return. His kindness was contagious, and his humor was legendary.

He was predeceased by Steven (2007) and Kathryn (2014), and is survived by Ted and Cara, and grandchildren Joan, Rosemary and Noel.

Ed entered the Willed Body Program at MSU to assist medical students. Per his wishes, there will not be a memorial service, but there will be one heck of a party.