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ERNEST J. "ERNIE" DAGUE SR.
BURLINGTON - Ernest J. "Ernie" Dague, Sr., 84, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, April 14, 2009. He was born in Burlington on March 4, 1925, the youngest child of Charles and Catherine (Dumas) Dague. A few of his many accomplishments included, graduating Edmunds High School, retiring as a claims adjuster for the Vermont Railroad, proudly serving his country in the United States Army during World War II, Proprietor of the Welcome Inn Restaurant which was later sold and is now know as the Shanty on the Shore, retired as Superintendent of Gates from the Champlain Valley Exposition after 54 years of service. Ernest was a member of St. Joseph Parish, VFW Howard Plant Post #782, Knights of Columbus, Degoesbriand Council and a Deputy Sheriff of Chittenden County. He was formerly the Superintendent of Burlington School District from 1966 to 1970, founding member of the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington with his life long friend Bernie Cummings and Vt. State Boxing Control Board member with friend Ernie Farrar. Ernie's life long love of sports began at a young age, he was a pitcher and rover for Myer Colodny's Class A fast pitch softball team, and later continued to enjoy the past time with VFW post #782. He enjoyed routing for his favorite team the Boston Red Sox and proudly celebrated their two championships in 2004 & 2007. Ernie was many things to many people, but his family and friends were his priority, which was plan to see as he enjoyed hot summer afternoons floating in his pool with his grandchildren splashing about. No matter what, his kids could do no wrong. Ernie is survived by his daughter, Judith Bouffard and her husband Michael of Colchester; his daughter-inlaw, Betty Dague of Burlington; his grandchildren, Jackie Buker and her husband Marc of Fairfax, Cathy Trombley and her husband Jeff of Westford, Jody Dague and her husband Jason Mashteare of Fairfax, Nicole Bouffard and her partner Tammy Azur of Fairfax, Michael Bouffard of Colchester, Kim Cross, Abigail Pope and Nathan Pope; his great grandchildren Scott Trombley, Mayla Mashteare, Jacob Trombley, and Marissa Mashteare; several cousins and special friends Lynn McNutt, David Grimm and all the folks through out the years at the fair. He was predeceased by his parents; son, "Butchie"; his daughter, Darlene; two brothers, Clarence and Henry; two sisters, Katherine Merchant and Marie Cormier as well as her husband Andrew Cormier. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Friday, April 17 in St. Joseph Co-Cathedral with interment to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today in the Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Home, 85 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernie's memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, 62 Oak St., Burlington, Vt. 05401. Arrangements are by Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Directors.