Laurier Wilfred "Biz" Bissonnette, 84, died peacefully at the Mount Ascutney
Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, VT on Saturday morning, January 26,
2008 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Claremont, NH on April 11, 1923
the son of Wilfred and Eva (Collins) Bissonnette.  He was a resident of
Weathersfield, VT for the past 37 years, formerly a resident of Claremont
for 47 years.  He was a graduate of Stevens High School in the Class of 1942
and served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1945.

He married Mae Belle Putnam  on May 31, 1943 in Claremont.  She pre-deceased
him January 27, 1969.

He later married Beth Hayward Kidder on September 27, 1970 in Weathersfield,
VT.

He worked for Bryant Chuck and Grinder Corp. in Springfield from 1953 to
1963 and for twenty years as a design engineer for Vermont Research
Corporation in Springfield, retiring in 1983.

Mr. Bissonnette had many interest and hobbies.  He was a ham radio operator
(W1USB).  He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and loved to cook.
For several years he co-owned a 92 foot two-mast schooner, Homer Dixon, and
loved to sail on Lake Champlain.  He was a fine wood craftsman building
kitchen cabinets, furniture, a 6-ft. kayak, and toys for his children and
for church bazaars. He was a gifted musician.  He played trumpet for 45
years, turning professional after his return from WW II.  He was a member of
Yacht Club Orchestra and several local bands.  He was always proud of a
telegram that he received in August of 1946 from famous big band leader
Harry James inviting him to audition for the Harry James Orchestra in New
York City.  He declined the invitation, opting instead to remain in
Claremont with his family.  In 1969, he learned to play the flute under the
tutelage of flutist Louis Moyse.  He studied jazz theory and was a former
member of the Hanover Flute Choir and, in recent years, was a member of the
Bob Brown Jazz Band.  He also taught flute locally.

Mr. Bissonnette was a very active member of the Ascutney Union Church for 36
years and served in many capacities including as Deacon and member of the
Music Committee.  He worked on church suppers, Men's Breakfasts, sang in the
choir, played the flute for services and assisted with services at the Cedar
Hill Nursing Facility in Windsor, VT.

The surviving family includes his wife, Beth Kidder Bissonnette of Windsor,
VT; one daughter, Janice E. Heighes and her husband William of Claremont;
one son, Richard A. Bissonnette of Claremont; one step-daughter, Linda
Tisdale and her husband, Paul of Grantham; one step-son, Robert Kidder and
his wife, Linda of Weathersfield, VT; six grandchildren, Laurie Mae Branch
and her husband, Raymond "Wally", William S. Heighes and his wife, Brenna,
Mary Heighes Santaw and her husband Stanley Jr. all of Claremont, Christian
E. Heighes of Cheyenne, WY, Travis Bissonnette and his wife Michelle of
Rochester and Lance Bissonnette and his wife Kelley of Blackwell, MA;  six
great-grandchildren, Jessica Branch, William and Timothy Heighes, DJ, Dean
and Emma Santaw all of Claremont.

He was also pre-deceased by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Bissonnette in 1949 and
two step-sons, David and William Kidder.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont
on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM.

A celebration of his life will be will be at the Ascutney Union Church on
Rte. 5 in Weathersfield, VT on Tuesday morning, January 29th at Eleven
O'clock with Rev. Bill Sheldon, officiating.

Committal in St Mary's Cemetery in Claremont will take place at a later
date.

The family suggest that donations may be made in his memory to the Ascutney
Union Church's Music Committee  at P.O. Box 345, Ascutney, VT 05030.