John Sevigny
BIDDEFORD — John Albert Sevigny enjoyed 96 years of a wonderful life and joined his wife Lucille Boutet Sevigny and many other loved ones on Feb.13, 2022. He left life surrounded by his family and friends who cherished his humor, huge heart, and unconditional commitment to those he loved.
Born in Biddeford, Maine, on Jan. 22, 1926, John served his country in the U.S. Navy in WWII on the USS Wisconsin. Upon his return from war, he went on to Maine Central Institute and then Bates College. He grew up down the street from Lucille in Biddeford, and they married in 1956, moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, where John worked for the Prudential Company, and had three daughters — Cathy Sevigny Sanborn, Cindy Sevigny, and Laurie Sevigny. He was always outnumbered by females in the household until he finally gave in and allowed for a lone male cat to join the family. Though John complained about the overwhelming volume of estrogen, he secretly loved it.
John and Lucille then worked their way back to Maine and settled in Portland; where they remained for the rest of their lives and raised their children and grandchildren. John worked throughout his life in commercial lending and property management until he was in his 80s. He served on the Maine Housing Authority board for numerous years.
In the winter when he was not working, John could be found skiing at Sugarloaf. He came late to the sport of skiing but embraced it with the same intensity and enjoyment he had for everything. The camp he and various family members built in Eustis became a hub for the girls and their friends, numerous relatives, and grandchildren (Nathan, Rebekah, Heather, Liz, and great grandchild Gavin), and volumes of extended family. Camp was the scene of great food, intense cribbage games, TV viewings of Carol Burnett, and enormous amounts of laughter.
Spring and summer found John on the golf course on Saturdays at Old Orchard Beach or Biddeford/Saco Country Club. His usual 6 a.m. tee time included rounds with cousins, son-in-law Greg, nephews, nieces, great nephews, and Cathy and Laurie.
John’s biggest passion was people — his family members, friends and any and all who were invited to be part of the family. He was enamored with his wife and daughters and all those who became part of the clan. Son-in-law, Gregory and grandson, Nathan Sanborn joined the family in 1981 — finally adding more males in the mix. Heather Thompson Sanborn married into the family in 2000, Elizabeth Can Hui Sevigny arrived in 2002, Hig and Hwida Nawass Sevigny added to the family numbers in 2010, and Gavin Sanborn was born in 2003. John was happy and complete. He then proceeded to take care of his crew with unflagging generosity and love.
He was predeceased by his dear wife, Lucille in September of 2010, and despite his sorrow and a severe stroke, he rallied and lived 12 more years with gusto. He is survived by all of those mentioned above, plus numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and friends who knew him and filled his life. He is dearly loved and sorely missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at Dimillo’s Restaurant on March 19, 2022 between 3 and 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 494 U.S.-1, Unit 2, Yarmouth, Maine 04096
To share memories of John, or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com
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