STEVEN VICTOR BOUTIN ESSEX JUNCTION - Steven Victor Boutin, 60, of Essex Junction, decided to take an exit off THE HIGHWAY riding his Harley Electraglide Classic with a wave and a smile. Steve (Poncho, Decent Steve, Flagman) died peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2010, with his beloved wife and son at his side after a struggle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA-P, Shy Drager Syndrome). Steve was a lifelong resident of Essex Junction. He was born at Fanny Allen Hospital on May 20, 1950. He was the second of eight children born to Victor and Lucille Martel Boutin. Steve had fond memories of growing up on Iroquois Avenue with his seven siblings, many friends and relatives. He often spoke of small town Essex Junction, childhood friends, playing baseball at the oil tanks, storing food at the Food Locker, and the Champlain Valley Expo grandstands burning down...he did not have anything to do with that!! He was also a regular on Dance Date on WCAX Channel 3 just about every Saturday night! In 1969, Steve enlisted in the US Army with his best friend, Louie Kilburn. He was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., and then sent to Vietnam where he was with Company C, 36th Engineer Battalion in Vinh Long on the Mekong Delta. After returning from the service, he met and married Nancy Chandler, his partner for life. Steve and Nancy worked together for 30 years, first in the Peddler's Wagon at the red mall on Susie Wilson Road. Steve loved his country's flag and in the early 90's started The Flag Shop of Vermont. From this business came SB Signs, and Steve's lifelong dream of running a family business and working side by side with his wife and son were realized. Steve was a very good man. He loved his family, his country and its flag, his home in Essex Junction, and his Harley Davidson. Steve loved his wife, son, and three granddaughters, and was happiest when they shared his space. He is remembered for his sense of humor and his unconditional love for his family. Steve is survived by his wife of 36 years, Nancy; his son, Steven Chandler, and his wife, Courtney; his three granddaughters, Adeline Jensen (Addie), Lily Grace, and Isabella (Bella) Chandler Boutin. He is also survived by his mother, Lucille; his seven siblings, Shirley Hunter (Gary), Linda King (Frank), David (Brenda), Mary Hutchison (Bruce), Andrew (Gabe), Rane (Ann), and Patrick (Natalie); their children and families; and his beloved cats, Baby Girl and Monster. Steve was predeceased by his father, Victor in 1983. He was also predeceased by his canine pal, his grand-dog, Mason (pictured above). It takes a village...we could never have done it without the love and caring of so many who stepped up to the plate to volunteer time, support, love and prayers. Thank you will never be enough to those individuals who gave so freely of their love and time to make Steve's final months as comfortable as they could be. Special thanks are in order for Dr. Zale Berry; Hospice of the Champlain Valley (caregivers: Mary, Lisa, Nancy, Kealey, Connie, Marion, Michelle, Penny, and volunteer, Joan); the Walk-In care nurses from FAHC who gave food, support, emails, love especially Donna, Lisa, and Joyce; the wonderful neighbors on Cascade who gave their support and caring, especially Andrew Boutin, Yvon Poulin, Lefty and Helen Tarte; the Barre gang, Norena and Ces Zanleoni and Jane Bottiggi Wass; and his special friends, Louie Kilburn, Bob Duprey, Wendy and Bob Young, and Steve Murray. A special thanks from Steve to the Burnett cousins, he called them his angels: Ruth, Darlene, Judy, Wayne and Jeannie. At Steve's request, there will be no visiting hours. He wanted to be remembered through celebration, so please join his family at the Essex Junction VFW on Saturday, July 17, 2010, starting at 3 p.m. to share in the celebration of his life. In remembrance of Steve and in honor of all of those who gave of themselves to help Steve during his illness, please make a special trip and go out of your way for someone else. The impact of a small gesture is one that can never be measured, but will always be appreciated.