Allen Joseph Vaillancourt

Allen Joseph Vaillancourt, 75, of Westbrook, Maine, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. He had been at home under the care of an amazing Hospice team.

Allen was born April 30, 1946 in Portland, Maine to father Ludger Vaillancourt and mother Geraldine (Pelletier) Vaillancourt, both of whom have predeceased him. He grew up in a large, loving family with seven sisters and two brothers and so many aunts and uncles that all had a hand in his upbringing. He is predeceased by his brothers, Ken Vaillancourt and Tim Vaillancourt; and his sisters, Margaret Wilmot, Patricia Knight, Mary Hicks, and baby sister Debi Davis. He is also predeceased by his son, Gary Buzzell; his brother-in-law, Jack Gardner; his brother-in-law Donald Knight, his brother-in-law Bruce Garnett; as well as by two nieces, Jody Vaillancourt and Beth Gardner. Allen is survived by his sisters Donna Farnham, Theresa Garnett, Jean Carver. Allen also has so many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him. He loved you all so much. He was everyone’s favorite Uncle Al. He also has one Goddaughter, Lynn Carlson, who he thought the world of.

Allen attended different schools over the years, mostly in Portland, but it was at Thornton Academy in Saco that he joined the Naval ROTC and then made the choice to join the United States Navy, where he served his country proudly until his Honorable Discharge. He told many stories of his time out at Sea.

In September of 1970, Allen met the woman who would go on to become the love of his life at a Baha’i picnic. He and Barbara Gardner would marry on April 16, 1971 and spend the next 50 years loving each other. Barbara brought two sweet sons to the marriage, Gary and Martin Buzzell. In May 1974, they welcomed their daughter, Shannon, who was instantly a Daddy’s girl.

In 1988, Allen, Barbara and Shannon moved to Florida. Allen worked for GE for several years before deciding to get his Class A license and becoming an over the road truck driver. With this job, he absolutely found his passion. He especially loved driving out West and seeing the beautiful countryside. Up until the time of his passing, he often spoke fondly of his time out on the open roads.

Allen’s biggest passion though, was his family. His wife, Barbara Vaillancourt, his son Gary Buzzell, son Martin Buzzell (wife Sheri Buzzell), and his daughter Shannon Dow (husband Christopher Dow). His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life and apple of his eye. His grandchildren include Sarah Kinonen (husband David), Benjamin Kinonen, Connor Stigleman, Adam Stigleman, Emily Gage (husband Craig), Madelyn Dow, Megan Dow, Mariah Mattison, Arthur Mattison (wife Caitlin), and Kiara Buzzell. His great grandchildren include Cooper, Charlotte, Abigail and Martin. Nothing brought him more joy than being with his grandbabies.

Allen was loved by so many. Often remembered as a gentle giant, larger than life, with a warm smile and a laugh that was like music. He loved easily and often. He never met a stranger and has so many friends that love him for life. His best friend since grade school, Larry Gray (wife Kathy) had so many adventures over their nearly 70 years as friends. The Walrus (Allen) and the Pelican (Larry) were the best kind of trouble. When they were together, it was all sarcasm and wit. Allen will be missed by so many. The Baha’i Faith and all the friends he made over the years meant so much to him.

There will be a short graveside service at Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine on Thursday January 6, 2022 at 1:00pm. All are welcome. We are asking guests to arrive at least 15 minutes prior as they are on a strict schedule. He will be given Military Honors. There will be a Celebration of Life held in the Spring of 2022. Date to be determined. The family wants to keep everyone as safe as possible with the new rise in covid cases.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of Kindred Hospice for their constant, attentive treatment for Allen and his family. You are all angels walking on earth. We will never forget the kindness and care you all showed.

Flowers can be sent to A.T. Hutchins 660 Brighton Ave. Portland, ME 04102

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