IN MEMORY….Charlie Boucher

Forums Forums WHERE ARE THEY NOW ? IN MEMORY….Charlie Boucher

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 20 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #10453
    dino
    Keymaster

        ‘Bad News’ was what Charlie called his car ….It was ment to intimidate his rival in the other lane. If they staged against him ,it was Bad News for them. He was a multi-time winner in Class And Eliminater battles at Dover. Running at Lebanon and Connecticut,the little ’34 ford pick-up was a northeast legend in C/A.So successful was Charlie’s acomplishments,he traveled to Indy in ’63,and easily grabbed his first national event class win. A true Old Skool home built Hot Rod,built for speed.
        But Today , ‘Bad News’ kind of takes on another message. Charlie Passed away Thursday. We were fortunate to have Charlie attend our First annual Nostalgia Drags ,where he proudly stayed with his old ride all day ,with now owner Roger,fielding questions,and rightfully getting his just due respect. Lost for words….We will miss our old racin buddie….. he’s probably bench racin with Al and the rest right now,with that signature smile .here’s some memories . . . . . . .


        Attachments:

        #26007
        dino
        Keymaster

            And Here’s the Car as it is today….Thanks for the tribute Roger.
            Heres one for you Charlie: http://doverdragstrip.com/video/bvteaser2.wmv


            Attachments:

            #26008
            dino
            Keymaster

                ……the Waterbury Republican release today:
                Charles A. Boucher
                Retired contractor
                WASHINGTON, Conn. — Charles A. Boucher, husband of Barbara (Maton) Boucher, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at home after a short illness.
                He was born Oct. 27, 1934, in Waterbury, the son of Anthony J. Boucher and Stella (Trepanier) Boucher. He was raised in Watertown, attending St. John’s School and Watertown High School before moving to Washington in 1970. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955 aboard the USS Missouri.
                A natural talent, Charlie honed his skills learning from true masters in the building trades, including his father—his mentor. He worked primarily for F. B. Mattson Co. of Waterbury beginning in 1955. He rose from journeyman carpenter to carpentry superintendent and estimator for commercial and residential projects from 1973-1983. He was president of C. A. Boucher Co. Inc., his general contracting firm in Washington, from 1983 to his retirement in 2008. He specialized in new construction, renovations and custom millwork. During his entire career, he left his signature mark of quality throughout New Haven and Litchfield counties.
                >>Charlie was a charter member of the Watertown Customs Club since 1955. In the 1960s, he was a local racing legend with his 1934 C-Altered Ford pickup, “Bad News.” He competed at Dover Drag Strip, Lebanon Valley and Connecticut Dragway. He was the NHRA National Champion in 1963 for his class at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. “Bad News” was meticulously restored in 2002 by his friend, Roger Charbonneau, and now appears at nostalgia drag race reunions.<<
                Since his retirement, Charlie has served on the town of Washington’s Building and Property Committee and also assisted in creating the initial lists for Region 12’s $2.3 million repair project for the three primary schools.
                Late in his life, Charlie discovered a talent and love for wood turning. He had the natural eye and touch to create beautiful bowls, which he modestly shared with friends and family. He was a member of the Nutmeg Wood Turners League at Brookfield Craft Center.
                In addition to Barbara, his wife of 39 years, Charlie is survived by his daughters, Kim Fenske (Gary) of Waterbury, Cheryl Becker (Robert) of Winsted, Donna Garceau (David) of Naugatuck and Lorrie Neumann (Carl) of Winsted; his sons, Anthony Boucher of Middletown and Charles A. Boucher of Bethlehem; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Boucher, and sister, Phyllis Zambero. Surviving are his sisters, Jean Ray and Charlotte (James) Brooks of Watertown, Carol Congero of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; brothers, Alec Boucher of Germany, Raymond (Joanne) Boucher of Watertown; and sister-in-law, Marcia Boucher of Alfred, Maine.
                There will be a private family graveside service. Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge St., New Milford, is in charge of arrangements. Contributions may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Tribute Program of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept, 142, Memphis, TN 38148.

                #26009
                john-sachs-sr
                Participant

                    GBNF,fond memories.
                    RIP,
                    John

                    #26010
                    mikey

                        Bad News, was my Dads favorite car at the drags whenever he could get to Dover. He got to be friends with Charlie and they stayed in touch through the years. When my dad passed away in 2003, Charlie sent my Mom a nice card expressing his sympathies and sorrow at my Dads passing. Charlie was a truly good guy, and he will be missed by many.
                        …………………Mikey 🙁 😥

                        #26011
                        dino
                        Keymaster

                            Found some more of Charlie…..
                            more here from Video Bob:
                            http://www.doverdragstrip.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=643&p=3396&hilit=boucher#p3396


                            Attachments:

                            #26012
                            dino
                            Keymaster

                                2009 Danbury Reunion…there’s that smile . . . .


                                Attachments:

                                #26013
                                dino
                                Keymaster

                                    46 years ago …almost To The Day! spelling bad on some names-most will figure it out ,but its like a Dover Legends list and Charlies right on top!


                                    Attachments:

                                    #26014
                                    maso
                                    Participant

                                        Sad bad news…

                                        Did Charlie take it to the salt flats too…?

                                        #26015
                                        smokey-dragct
                                        Participant

                                            WE HAVE KNOWN CHARLIE FOR MANY YEARS GOING BACK TO THE EARLY DOVER DAYS HE WAS A TOP NOTCH GUY AND HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY THAT ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM AT THE DANBURY REUNIONS
                                            REST IN PEACE CHARLIE
                                            SMOKEY AND GROVER

                                            #26017
                                            vbob
                                            Participant

                                                Charlie “boo-SHAY” Boucher, “Auh-re-voia,mohn amee”!
                                                Merci pour les souvenirs !!

                                                ‘V’

                                                #26018
                                                frank-j-majauskas
                                                Participant

                                                    R.I.P. Charlie…. You will be forever Watertown CT.’s most
                                                    famous and loved drag racer !

                                                    Frank..

                                                    #26024
                                                    patina
                                                    Participant

                                                        “Rest in Peace” Charlie, the photo of “Bad News racing Baby Torque” at Dover seems to say it all. You will be missed. Our prayers go out to the family.

                                                        Pat

                                                        #26031
                                                        dino
                                                        Keymaster

                                                            Just in From Roger C. (lowlid -user name):
                                                            ……….I have known Charlie for over 50 years..Charlie was a good friend and a all around good guy. He will be sadly missed by his fellow members of the Water Customs. I am truly honored and feel privileged to have known him as my friend.
                                                            Restoring Bad News was a project done out of love. I remember Bad NEWS when I was 13 yrs old and Charlie drove it to work. Charlie will be
                                                            missed and never fogotten. Roger

                                                            #26132
                                                            vbob
                                                            Participant

                                                                Charlie and Al at the 1st Dover Drag Strip Reunion twenty years ago!
                                                                Rest in peace my friends!
                                                                ‘V’


                                                                Attachments:

                                                              Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 20 total)
                                                              • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.