George Henry Bouchard Jr.

George Bouchard, 1934 -2017, was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts with his brother, Paul, and sister, Pauline. There he was active in Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout, and began his lifelong love of nature, including many trips to Pequawket Lake in Steep Falls, Maine. George loved to hike, climb mountains, and travel by ship on the ocean.

George studied chemistry at Harvard University, University of Washington, and Cornell University. He worked at General Electric in San Jose, California and later found his dream job at Scripps Oceanographic Institute in San Diego, California. He traveled the world on scientific research ships, visiting Antarctica several times and discovering the Bouchard Seamount in the Pacific Ocean. He led family backpacking trips with the Sierra Club for many years and was active in St. Paul’s Methodist Church in San Jose and in Woodfords Congregational in Portland.

After retiring and moving to Portland, Maine, George took pride in serving sailors as a Seafarers’ Friend. He loved to contradance, play the dulcimer, and spend quiet, reflective time at Pequawket Lake. He is survived by his wife, Joan Dinsmore, first wife, Gabrielle Stocker and their children, Carol (David) and Andrew (Rina), and granddaughters, Erin (Amy), Ananda, and Adinda and by his brother Paul (Harriet) and children Henri (Angela) and Joelle.

George loved all kinds of music. One of his favorite hymns was “Lone Wild Bird.” The Honey Whiskey version on UTube would be a good one to listen and think of him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sedgewood Commons for the care and comfort you provided George. At George’s request, no services will be held.

Remembrances may be sent to Joan Dinsmore at [email protected] or 254 Eastern Promenade #1, Portland, ME 04101 and she will forward them to the others.

Donations in George’s memory may be sent to the Sierra Club, 2101 Webster Street, Suite 1300, Oakland, CA 94612 or to a non-profit of your choice.