Louis R. Goupil ... enjoyed racing cars; at 76

GONIC - Louis R. Goupil, 76, died on Saturday. April 6, 2024, after a brief period of failing health. A lifelong resident of Gonic, Louis was born on Oct. 15, 1947, to Raymond J. Goupil and Alice (Kirouac) Goupil. He attended Spaulding High School, graduating in 1966. He was an avid athlete, participating in track, baseball, and football, his favorite.

In 1980, Louis married his beloved wife of 43 years, Ronalee (Brooks) Goupil of Pittsburg, Pa. Their children Matthew and Sarah completed their family.

Lou began his lifelong career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an apprentice. He worked on the nuclear submarines as a pipefitter in Shop 56, including the Sand Lance which was the last sub launched from the shipyard in 1969. His favorite type of submarine to work on was the triple nickel, especially the 555 USS Dolphin.

In 2017 Lou moved to Rosewood Manor, also in Gonic, then to Hyder House Hospice in Dover. He enjoyed endless cups of coffee, telling jokes to new residents, and keeping track of the New England Patriots. Lou particularly enjoyed visits from his grandsons, telling them the same bad dad jokes and laughing at their wild antics. You could often find them playing pass on the front lawn at Rosewood. His outgoing personality made him a staff and resident favorite. The family is grateful for the compassionate care given to Lou these last few years.

Lou was a devoted husband, caring father, and loyal friend. He was always willing to lend a hand, his knowledge, or a tool. Always a jokester, Lou had a zest for life and an appreciation for the simple things, like that first tomato out of the garden, a warm fire in the woodstove, picking blueberries at the woodlot, a good hug, and a strong high-five. He enjoyed coaching his son's baseball and football teams, sorting through his coin collection, and making french fries for dinner. In his spare time Lou was frequently found under the hood of a car. With a love of racing and all things fast with an engine and wheels, Lou's pink #10 car could be found at both Lee USA Speedway and Oxford Plains Racetrack. Even when his illustrious race career was past Lou was always tinkering and helping others with their car projects.

Louis was predeceased by his brother Raymond H. Goupil and leaves behind his wife, Ronalee Goupil, son Matthew Goupil and his wife Laura Goupil, daughter Sarah Howard and her husband Timothy Howard, grandchildren Tyler Howard and Ellis Howard, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.