Ival "Bud" R. Cianchette

Ival R. “Bud” Cianchette of Falmouth, Maine passed away November 5, 2009 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old. Last month, at a celebration of Cianbro’s 60th Anniversary, in Cianchette's beloved hometown of Pittsfield, Maine, he told an audience of more than 400 Cianbro team members that he had led a charmed life. "In my obituary, it should say, 'the luckiest man in the world just left us’ If all of you are as lucky as I've been, you're just going to have a great life because I certainly have." Those were his words. His family would say that they are the luckiest people in the world to have had such a kind, generous, and loving man in their lives.

Bud's long and accomplished biography began on July 19, 1926, when he was born to Ralph and Edna Cianchette, the fifth of their seven children. Bud realized the value and rewards of hard work early in life as a newspaper delivery boy. At only ten years old he was the youngest winner in a Press Herald and Sunday Telegram state-wide circulation contest. The prize was a trip to Washington DC and the memories of that trip were both an inspiration and a source of pride for the rest of his life. Bud attended Pittsfield schools and graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1944. In the fall of that year he was drafted into the Army and went to Europe where he remained as part of the occupation forces until discharged in October 1946. Upon his return to Pittsfield he joined with his brothers and together they formed a new construction firm, Cianchette Brothers, Incorporated, the forerunner of today’s Cianbro. Bud was President, Chairman, and then Chairman Emeritus from 1962 until his passing. With a natural instinct for business, the qualities of a true leader, and with uncompromising integrity, Bud, along with his brothers steered Cianbro into one of the most respected construction firms in the nation.

In 1980, Bud achieved national prominence by becoming president of the Associated General Contractors of America the nation's leading construction trade association, representing more than 32,000 construction firms across the United States.

The foundation for Bud’s life was his family, Cianbro, and his race horses. He owned and operated Cianchette Stables which bred, raised, and trained hundreds of Standardbred horses. They raced at tracks from Maine to Florida during a span of nearly 50 years and though he often traveled to watch them, his favorite races were at the agricultural fairs throughout Maine.

Bud was a truly selfless man who contributed his vision and talent to numerous organizations over the years. He believed in service to others and lived by a motto attributed to his mother, “always give more than you take.” He served as President or Chairman of the following: Associated General Contractors of Maine, Associated General Contractors of America, Dragon Products Company, Maine State Harness Racing Commission, Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, Northeast Chapter of Maine Maritime Academy Association, Council on Development at Maine Central Institute, Executive Committee of Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and Maine Chapter of the Newcomen Society of the United States. He was Vice-President of the Confederation of International Contractors Associations. Bud also served as a Director of the following: School Administrative District #53, Maine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Road Information Program, AGC Education and Research Foundation, Portland Cement Association, Phoenix Cement Company, Coastal Cement Company, American Charter Company, Maine National Bank, Fleet Bank of Maine, LaVerdiere’s Drug Stores, United States Trotting Association, Lewiston Raceways, and Standardbred Owner’s Association of Massachusetts. Bud was also a member of: Consulting Constructor’s Council of America, American Institute of Constructors, Maine Better Transportation Association, New Hampshire Good Roads Association, The Beavers, The Moles, Advisory Council of the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, University of Maine Foundation, Mason at Meridian Lodge #125 Pittsfield, and Shriner at Anah Temple Shrine, Bangor. Bud was also appointed a member of The Judicial Compensation Commission, State of Maine.

The idea of giving wasn’t limited to Bud’s professional affiliations. It didn’t matter if someone asked to borrow a tool from his garage or for a contribution to a worthy cause, the answer was always “yes.” Bud also loved gardening and often joked that although he made a living as a contractor, he was really a farmer at heart. He had a huge vegetable garden at his house and for many years planted a field at his horse farm. He took great delight in distributing his bounty to neighbors, family, and friends.

Bud was predeceased by his parents, and five of his siblings, Carl Cianchette, Norris Cianchette, Clair Cianchette, Marilyn Pelletier, Alton Cianchette; and his son-in law Joseph Koch.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Priscilla Winslow Cianchette and their children, Thomas Cianchette and wife Bonnie; Earle Cianchette and wife Maryellen; Susan Koch; Mark Cianchette and partner Jill McAllister; Peter Cianchette and wife Carolyn. Bud leaves 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Cianchettte and wife Lucette; sisters-in-law Ethel Cianchette, Marilyn Cianchette, Helen Cianchette and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10th from 1:00 pm. – 5:00 pm. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home,199 Woodford Street, Portland, Maine. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11th at 11:00 am. at the First Baptist Church, 237 Main Street, Pittsfield, Maine.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Cianchette family by visiting Bud’s guestbook at www.mem.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to:

The Associated General Contractors Education and Research Foundation

2300 Wilson BLVD Suite 400

Arlington, VA 22201

Or

Opportunity Farm For Boys and Girls

P.O. Box 65

New Gloucester, ME 04260

Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home

199 Woodford St.

Portland, Maine 04103

207-775-3763