A Large Turnout for the Dedication

Dateline: Oct. 20, 2019

Photos by Michael Frascinella

A large group of family and friends of Ronnie Pelissier turned out for the dedication ceremony on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at 5:00 p.m at the lower end of Ferry St. Mr. Pelissier had been instrumental in restoring the boat launch on the Merrimack River. Our sadness was knowing that he had succumbed to cancer on May 27th this year after having been elected to a fourth term as the town's Road Agent.

With his leadership, the boat ramp was restored for use by residents and others and the property adjacent to the ramp was cleared of brush and debris. A security camera and signage were installed to deter dumping and other illegal use of the property.

Just before 5:00 p.m. people started arriving and gathering at shore's edge, engaged in small talk, and watched the children play at the shoreline. It was a fine day with the sun just starting to set in the west across the expanse of water.

Several town officials soon arrived, including Selectmen Sandy McKenney and Maureen Higham, Town Administrator (TA) Derik Goodine, current Road Agent Mark Boisvert, and State Representative Alan Turcotte.

Mr. Goodine beckoned people to gather around the memorial sign so he could conduct the Dedication Ceremony.

Once there, Mr. Goodine (standing in front of the sign) read his prepared remarks.

"We gather here today to celebrate and dedicate this place, this facility, in memory of Ron Pelissier.

"What can I say personally about Ron? I wish we had had more time, and I know all of you wish the same. I got to know Ron fairly well during the short time that we worked together. It was long enough for me to form a friendship and learn a few things about Ron and build a respect and positive impression of Ron."
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After Mr. Goodine concluded his speech, everyone applauded, but several children were not as interested in the brand new sign as they were in the dirt around one of the sign posts.

Next came the "photo opps." A few groups of family members took turns getting photographed at the new sign.

(Left to right) Ronnie's son Ryan and wife Christa and their two children; Ronnie's wife, Debbie; Ronnie's daughter, Ashley and her son; and Ronnie's son, Matt.

(Left to right) Ronnie's sister, Sue Hebert, Ronnie's wife, Debbie, and Ronnie's brother, Mark (Chad's dad).

Everyone posed for a big group photo with signs of autumn adding a splash of color to the scene.

The one thing that remained after people bid their goodbyes was the sign. About two months ago, Mark Boisvert, the Road Agent, asked Armand Verville, President of the Historical Society, to create a sign for Ronnie's Memorial. The family had written down what they would like on the sign, and wanted it to resemble the new "Welcome to Allenstown" signs. On or about October 10th, the sign was installed with help of the Highway Department.

Epilogue

In the final scene of Frank Capra's 1946 movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey finds a Mark Twain book on the table. It was a gift from his guardian angel, Clarence, who wrote this inscription, "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." From the outpouring of love and respect at this dedication, those words hold true for Ronnie. Let us never forget him.