LYNN ― Family and friends of the former Chief of the Nahant Life Saving Station Maurice C. Poulin gathered at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday to honor and celebrate the master sailor’s life.
Poulin died in April 2020 from COVID-19, but his family was unable to have a funeral until this past weekend, where Poulin was honored with a military funeral that was accompanied by current and former Coast Guard members.
Poulin’s grandson, Brandon Edward Poulin, spoke at his grandfather’s funeral, remembering his “Pepe” as a hero.
“He was a hero for our country, fighting in wars, but more importantly, he was a hero to his family and friends,” Brandon said.
Of his grandfather, Brandon said that having joined the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of 18 and going to war gave the elder Poulin a lot of stories to tell.
“He was a great storyteller, but an even better listener,” Brandon said.
After joining the Coast Guard, Poulin spent four years aboard the U.S.S. Leonard Wood, bringing troops and tanks to North Africa for General George S. Patton’s army.
Poulin was known as a leader on the sea, using his French language skills to translate between military commanders and French colonial officials.
Poulin reenlisted after the war and was assigned to a Coast Guard lightship, where he spent a month on sea duty and a month off, later serving on a weather patrol vessel and overseeing lifeboat stations, including the Nahant station.
Married to the love of his life, Sylviane, for more than 60 years, Poulin had four children and multiple grand- and great-grandchildren.
As a child, Brandon said he loved when he spent time with Poulin, whether it was snacking and watching T.V. or tenting in the backyard.
Poulin was a family man and cared for each person in his life, Brandon said.
Brandon also remembered Poulin as someone who had an endless amount of pride for the people in his life and as always being genuinely interested in what was going on in people’s lives and never complaining.
“The world is a better place because he was in it,” Brandon said. “I hope we can all live to be half the hero he was.”
Poulin moved to Nahant with his wife in 1960, where they raised their children Edward, Maurice, Suzanne and their late daughter, Jeanne.
Poulin was eventually promoted to master chief where he commanded the 82-foot patrol boat Point Cypress out of Boston Harbor, and was called to patrol duty off the coast of Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Poulin’s daughter-in-law Gayle Poulin said Poulin had a great reputation and was always willing to help others.
“He was such a giving person,” Gayle said.
Poulin completed his career as licensing examiner at the Coast Guard Marine Inspection Office in Boston and received military service awards, including the Navy Unit Combat Commendation Ribbon and U.S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Star.
Poulin’s granddaughter Katie Bowsfield remembered Poulin as always putting his best foot forward and supporting those he loved.
“He was just a really great guy,” Bowsfield said. “We’ll miss him.”
