Edmund J. Boutin, 72

CHESTER — Edmund J. Boutin, 72, of 26 Villager Road, Chester, died at his lakeside cottage in Meredith, surrounded by family.

Ed was born Jan. 16, 1946, in Laconia, the son of Bernard L. and Alice M. (Boucher) Boutin. He was a longtime resident of the state. He attended Sacred Heart in Laconia from 1951 to 1961 before the family moved to Washington, D.C., where he graduated from St. John’s College High School in 1964. Ed then matriculated to Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, graduating summa cum laude in 1968 before obtaining his law degree from Georgetown University in 1971.

After graduating from law school, Ed remained in Washington and served as a legislative assistant to Senator Thomas McIntyre, in whose office Ed also worked during law school. His next position as associate general counsel at Sanders Associates brought him back to New Hampshire, where he would remain for the balance of his life. In 1976, Ed and his partners founded the law firm where he worked for the next 42 years.

Though his law career brought him great success, he was never one to seek the limelight, preferring instead to let his intellect and integrity speak for him. It is a testament to his character that he earned as much respect from his opponents and the bench as he did from his clients and friends. While his clients included Fortune 500 companies, he derived the most satisfaction helping private individuals and municipalities with many of whom he enjoyed both longterm professional relationships and deep friendships.

Ed was equally committed to serving his community and gave freely of his time. He served as a member of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee for many years, as recently as 2017-2018, and for nearly a decade earlier in his career, which included a stint as vice-chair in 1992-1993. Ed was also involved with numerous civic and community organizations throughout his life, most recently serving on the board of the Sonshine Soup Kitchen in Derry.

Among his many gifts were his incredible intellect, quick wit and wry sense of humor. He was a man equally content with a good book and a cigar as he was walking in the woods or fishing in a stream, but the thing that brought him the most joy was a good conversation with the members of his family or close friends.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda Anne (Moore) Boutin; daughter Anne L. and husband Monte Cooper of San Francisco, California; son, Jonathan M. and wife Dana Lombardi and grandson Julian L. Boutin of Belmont, Massachusetts; his mother, Alice M. Boutin of Meredith; four brothers, Joseph L. and Dale Boutin of Burlington, Vermont, Louis B. and Carole Boutin of Bedford, John P. Boutin of Winooski, Vermont, and Paul R. and Judy Boutin of Colchester, Vermont; five sisters, Bernadette A. and Bruce Fischer of Calais, Vermont, Michelle A. and Dennis Lamper of Meredith, Marie J. Boutin of South Burlington, Vermont, Elizabeth J. and John McGrath of Manchester, Vermont, and Suzanne T. Boutin of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Gay Boutin of Fremont; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Bernard L. Boutin, and his youngest brother Bernard L. Boutin II.

There will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 300 NH Route 25, Meredith, NH, by the Very Reverend Fr. Donald J. Planty Jr., J.C.D. Pastor of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Boutin Family Scholarship Fund at Saint Michael College located at 1 Winooski Park, Colchester VT 05439; or to the Sonshine Soup Kitchen located at 6 Crystal Ave., Derry, NH 03038.

Mayhew Funeral Home, 204 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com.