Lavoie, Bertin Julien
Bertin Julien Lavoie, 84, of Vernon, CT, entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2024, surrounded by family. Born the sixth of nine children, in the picturesque town of L'isle Verte, Quebec, Canada, he spent his early childhood on the family farm. In pursuit of higher education, Bertin attended the College de Montreal, from middle through high school; later earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Montreal. These experiences reinforced the family values of independence, hard work and perseverance. After graduation, Bertin decided to join his siblings and parents in Hartford, CT, and enlisted in the United States Army ('62-'64). During that service, he was stationed at Tripler Army Medical Hospital in Hawaii, as a dental assistant. After Honorable Discharge, Bertin returned to Hartford, purchasing his first rental property in East Hartford, CT beginning his life-long role as a landlord. Bertin worked in Quality Control at Pratt and Whitney for 28 years. While with Pratt, he moved to Detroit, Michigan and started a family. Finding it difficult to be so far from the family in Connecticut, Bertin moved his young family back in 1986. Later in his career, Bertin began working for Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing, until his “retirement” at the age of 78. Bertin remained vibrant and active until his final days, embodying a spirit of resilience and zest for life, fueled by his daily afternoon nap. He loved music and taught himself how to play instruments such as the accordion, harmonica, guitar, violin, and most of all the piano; skills he enjoyed breaking out at family gatherings. Bertin's pastimes included tending to his rental properties, bike riding, reading history books, cutting wood and “talking business” with his eldest grandson. Bertin always had a thirst for knowledge, learning to build or repair nearly anything he put his mind to, with patience and meticulous precision. He was a habitual user of Google and even adapted to utilize Youtube as reference.
Bertin leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Denise (Goudreau) Lavoie, their three children, Janelle Bohonowicz and her husband Matthew, Paul Lavoie and his wife Taryn, and Nina Lavoie and her boyfriend Jonathan. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Noah, Evelyn, Damien, Julienne and Elyse, whom he cherished. Predeceased in death by his parents, Elzear and Julienne (Fortin) Lavoie; brothers, Normand, Jean-claude and Reginald Lavoie; sisters-in-law Celine Lavoie and Diane Lavoie; and brother-in-law Yvan Rossignol. Bertin is survived by his other siblings, Hermas and his wife Lise, Pierrette Rossignol, Colette Roy and her husband Richard, Robert Lavoie, Pauline Genesse and her husband Jack, along with many nieces and nephews, who will continue to honor his memory. Family was paramount to Bertin. Late in life, he purchased a lake house at Crystal Lake in Ellington, where his children and grandchildren will continue to gather to create memories regularly. Bertin devoted his life to his loved ones. His legacy of love, wit and laughter will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Relatives and friends are invited to the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, in Manchester, for a visitation on Thursday, March 7 from 5 to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike E in Manchester, on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. (please meet directly at church), followed by burial at Saint James Cemetery. For online condolences please visit www. tierneyfuneralhome.com.
In place of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, in memory of Bertin. Please address the check to Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.