Gaston "Frenchie" Boisvert, Sr.

Cambridge - Gaston “Frenchie” Boisvert, Sr., 82, of Cambridge, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2025, at his home with his loving family by his side.

Born on March 17, 1943, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Frenchie was the son of the late Victorien and Marie Ange (Boivin) Boisvert. He was educated in Montreal before making the life-changing decision to move to the United States, where he built a life defined by hard work, determination, and a deep love for his family and community.

Frenchie led a rich and varied life. A self-taught builder, he began his career repairing homes, using his hands and heart to bring comfort and stability to others. In his earlier years, he found great success and fulfillment as a professional horse racing jockey, competing across Eastern Canada, throughout the United States, and even overseas. His passion for horses remained constant throughout his life.

In 1967, Frenchie married, Shirley LaFountain. The couple shared 57 devoted years of marriage. After marrying, Frenchie transitioned from the racetrack to the road, beginning a 37-year career as a truck driver. He drove for himself and several companies, eventually retiring from Walker’s Farm in White Creek in 2015. His work ethic was unmatched, and his stories from the road often brought laughter and wisdom to those lucky enough to hear them.

Frenchie was a man of many interests. He enjoyed hunting and trapping and worked as a bear guide, sharing his deep knowledge of the outdoors. Known for his friendly nature, he had a gift for conversation and could connect with anyone he met. He was especially fond of scratch-off tickets, often saying they added a little excitement to his day.

He will be remembered as a kind and hardworking man, devoted to his family and respected by all who knew him.

Frenchie is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley LaFountain Boisvert, and their children: Gaston (Shelly) Boisvert, Jr. of Shushan, NY; Renee (Peter) Elie of Jackson, NY; Claude (Melody) Boisvert of Cambridge; and Marie (Morgan) Andrew of North Hoosick, NY. He was a cherished grandfather to Chaylan (Christopher) Harwood of Cambridge, NY; Gaston Boisvert, III of Dorset, VT; Cody Wisbauer; Brittany Yanke, both of North Carolina; Logan (Kiera) Brogue of Petersburgh, NY; Lucas Brogue of Hoosick Falls, NY; Carly Boisvert of North Carolina; Skyler Jackson of Glens Falls, NY; and Alli Andrew of North Hoosick, NY. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren.

Frenchie is also survived by his siblings: Hughette Larocque, Ginette Boisvert, and Raymond Boisvert, all of Quebec; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Yolanda Boisvert, and siblings Diane, Yolande, Yvan, Daniel, and Victor.

Please join the family for a Celebration of life to honor Gaston (Frenchie) Boisvert at the family’s residence, 735 Chestnut Hill Rd., Cambridge, NY on Sunday August 31st 12:00 – 5:00 as we gather for a casual heartfelt gathering to remember, honor, love, and laugh just the way he would’ve wanted, Potluck Style

Optional Scratch Off-Ticket Contribution in honor of Frenchie’s fun-loving spirit -  you’re welcome to bring scratch-off tickets if you’d like. Any winnings will be donated to Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, 112 Spring St., Saratoga Springs, NY  12866. https://trfinc.org/  Phone (518) 226-0028 and Second Chance Animal Shelter, 1779 Vermont Route 7A, Arlington, VT  05250.  https://2ndchanceanimalcenter.org/  Phone (802) 375-2895.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Frenchie, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are being handled with care by Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home in Cambridge.

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