Robert (Butch) Bouchard ... longtime SHS principal; at 82

STRATHAM - Robert Julien (Butch) Bouchard, 82, of Stratham, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Robert was born on January 26, 1940, to Leona (MartineauBouchard and Julien Bouchard in Rochester.

Robert graduated from Holy Rosary High School, Rochester, in 1958. He then went on to graduate from St. Anselm College, Manchester, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history. He later went on to earn a Master's in education.

Growing up in Rochester, Butch developed a love for sports. As a youth, he was part of Rochester's first Little League program in 1952. Butch played baseball for years, but his first love was basketball. At Holy Rosary, he was a standout baseball and basketball player. He served as a two-year captain for both the baseball and basketball teams. While at Holy Rosary, his teams went 80-8 in basketball and 25-3 in baseball. After high school, Butch went on to play basketball at St. Anselm College. In 2009, he was honored with the induction into the Rochester Sports Hall of Fame.

Butch began his 35-year educational career at Austin Cate Academy. He then accepted a position as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He retired as Principal of Spaulding High School after 23 years. He had so much gratitude for the teachers and staff that he worked with throughout the years. Butch was frequently quoted as saying, "You're only as good as your supporting cast." He was well known for greeting every student by name each morning as they entered the high school. He lived by John C. Maxwell's quote, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Butch will always be remembered for his infectious smile, positive attitude, kindness, high moral standards, and his unique ability to praise and inspire others.

After his retirement in 1997, Butch and his wife Judy divided their time between their residences in Naples, Fla., and New Hampshire. While in Naples, he cherished his time with friends and co-workers at Naples Lakes Country Club for more than 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 63 years, Judith (Hanover) Bouchard; his daughter Susan DiClemente, husband Anthony, and their children Alison, Caroline and Anthony of Stafford, Va.; his son John, wife Mary Ellen and their children Jack and Luke of Portsmouth, his daughter Theresa Heffernan, husband Brian and their children Patrick and Christopher of Stratham; his sister Priscilla Potvin of Rochester; he was preceded by his sister Joyce Arendtson of Concord, CA. Butch's greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.