1903-2006

Thompson, CT- Peter Bernard Aucoin, M.D., 103, died peacefully December 20, 2006 at the Rumford Community Hospital in Rumford, ME.  Dr. Aucoin was born on December 14, 1903 in Thompson, CT, three days before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawke.  Of Canadian descent, he was the first of twelve siblings born in the United States.  Dr. Aucoin was a graduate of the former Assumption Prepatory High School, Class of 1921, and received his B.A. in Liberal Studies from Assumption College in 1925.

Dr. Aucoin achieved his medical degree from Leval University, Quebec, Canada in 1933, and thereafter completed his medical Internship at Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT.  A general practitioner and surgeon, from 1937 to 1979, he was a member of the medical staff at the Rumford Community Hospital.  Dr. Aucoin was a Past President of the Maine Chapter of American Academy of Family Physicians; and a Member of the American Medical Association, the Maine Medical Association, and the Oxford County Society.

Dr. Aucoin served as a National President of Alumni Association of Assumption Prepatory School, and a National President of Assumption College Alumni Association.  He endowed the Pierre Aucoin Scholarship for students from Rumford and Mexico, ME to be able to attain a higher education.  Dr. Aucoin was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Assumption College in 1964 for his years of service.  He was also elected into the Assumption Athletic Hall of Fame in 1970 for his athletic accomplishments.  In 1973, he received the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award, in recognition of his devotion to the college as well as for his distinguished service in his field of medicine.  Additionally, the college awarded him the President’s Medal in 1995 and the Centennial Award in 2004.  In 2004, Dr. Aucoin, then age 100, was honored to serve as the Commencement Speaker for the graduation ceremonies of the College’s centennial class.

Active in his church and community, Dr. Aucoin was a Member of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, the Catholic Order of Forester, the Elks, the Artisans, and the Assumption Societies.

Dr. Aucoin was known for his dedication to his patients, for being a true courtly gentleman, for his compassion towards others, and for his infectious sense of humor.  His beloved wife, Esther, and daughter, Patricia, predeceased him.  Dr. Aucoin is survived by his four grandchildren: Renee Aucoin of Rangeley, ME; Peter E. Rowe of Gray, ME; Rebecca Rowe-Indich of Westbrook, CT; and Adam A. Rowe of Boston, MA.  Dr. Aucoin will be missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Aucoin’s Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at Noon at St. Joseph Cemetery, 20 Main Street, N. Grosvenordale, CT.  Valade Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.