PAUL RAYMOND FRANCOEUR

LEICESTER — Paul Raymond Francoeur, 68, died peacefully in nature at his home in Leicester Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, surrounded by people and animals who love him with their entire hearts just as he wanted, ending a more than seven-year battle against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Born July 21, 1958, in Central Falls, R.I., to Ron and Claire Francoeur, Paul was blessed with a wonderful childhood. Later, Paul studied forestry at the University of Maine before becoming a teacher at Stafford Technical Center in the early 80s. He then left teaching to establish his own construction company. Over the next decades, Paul constructed countless homes and additions, as well as custom renovations. Later, Paul transitioned into cabinet-making and custom woodworking, including making thousands of tie racks, and beautiful spinning wheels.

While Paul was incredibly talented as a woodworker, his greatest gift to the world was being an open, loving, curious, courageous human being, one who continuously worked to make the world a better place. Even as ALS robbed him of his actual voice, and mobility, Paul continued to contribute to ALS research, as well as being pen pals with students in the Arlington, Va., school system thanks to dear family friend, Isabelle Kingsley. Paul wanted to make sure he made the world a better place wherever he could.

Paul’s dedication to his family was at the heart of all he did. In 1991, Paul proposed to the love of his life, Kristin, and together they shared more than 35 years of love, laughter and devotion to each other. His pride in, and his unconditional love for, his children Amie, Ryan, Samuel, Benjamin, his bonus daughter Linnea, grandsons Shay and Rowan, and granddaughter Sora, kept him going every day. He admired their open hearts, courage, individuality, work ethic, and their dedication to justice and inclusion for all. Paul also shared an unwavering love for the creatures living with the family, especially his two dogs, Scout and Lou, who were with him every moment, keeping him company, making him laugh, and showing him limitless love.

Paul was predeceased by his father, Ronald Francoeur, and his son, Samuel Francoeur, as well as several beloved aunts, uncles, and his grandparents. He endlessly grieved the passing of his father and his son, as well as the passing of his Memere (Mimi), his Aunt Pauline, and his fishing buddy, Uncle Bob, his Uncle Joe and Aunt Muriel, and his in-laws, Wayne and Ellie Holsman. He is survived by his wife, Kristin; his sons Ryan (Kayla) and Ben; daughters Amie (Reid) and Linnea (Shane); his grandsons Shay and Rowan; granddaughter Sora; his mother, Claire; sister Lynne (Jim) and her sons Sean (Becca) and Eric (Kayleigh); several cousins, including Marc (Pauline, daughter Caroline and son Nate) and Eileen (Ray); and his buddies Scout and Lou.

The family would like to thank all of our friends and family for their support and love over the years. We would like to specifically thank Lyndsay D’Avignon for her tireless support and help, Chad Chamberlain for his visits, Melissa Andres for decades of love and laughter, Ed Davidson and Karen for “poncho pal” laughs and support, Amy Curtis for her care and love, Michele Racine for being our medical rockstar and showering us with love, Marian Bouchard for her expertise and love, the Healey Center at Massachusetts General Hospital for giving us hope, Dr. Mark Garret and Danica Sanders for their love and honesty, and Addison County Home Health for their home health and hospice support.

There was nothing Paul loved more than to be outside in nature with people he loved — please spend some time amongst the trees with your loved ones in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sean M. Healey Center at Mass General, or Outright Vermont, or Migrant Justice of Vermont, or Homeward Bound of Addison County.

A celebration of Paul’s amazing life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Brandon Inn in Brandon, Vt.

Arrangement by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon. ◊