Obituary of Henry Gilchrist

Henry R. Gilchrist, a retired Purchasing Agent and active member of the Masons and Shriners, passed away after a short illness on Wednesday night, September 12, 2012. He was 83 years old. Henry was born in Somerville, the son of the late Stanton and Sarah Gilchrist. He grew up and was educated in Somerville. He married his late wife Pauline on Easter of 1951. They settled in Burlington 61 years ago to raise their 5 children. Henry had worked his entire career, which was over 44 years, as a purchasing agent and draftsman at Rub-Air Door in Ayer. Henry was extremely active in the Simonds Lodge of the Masons, where he served as a Master for two terms and the Aleppo Lodge of the Shriners. As a Shriner he served on the Director’s Staff and participated in countless parades, circuses, rodeos and other fundraising and charitable activities. He took great pride in his involvement and the charitable work done by both organizations. Henry’s other activities included golf, pool, and painting. He was a talented craftsman and often said, ”If you can build it, why buy it.” He was a devoted husband to his late wife Pauline for 58 years. Together they cared for over 26 children through The New England Home for Little Wanderers, 2 of whom they adopted. He worked hard to provide for his children. He was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. He and his wife had an extremely close bond with his brother, Fred and his wife Shirley; who lived on the same street along with their parents, Stanton and Sarah. His family will remember the special times spent together, such as the Fourth of July cookouts, holidays, and all the family celebrations and events. Henry’s legacy will be hard work, devotion to his family, and his countless acts of charity. Henry was the beloved husband of late Pauline (Nickerson). He was the loving father of Lee & his wife Samantha of Raymond, NH, Steven & his wife Nancy of Waltham, Wendy Savoie of NH, Brian of Blue Ash, OH, and Stacey of Burlington. He was the brother of Frederick & his wife Shirley of Burlington. Henry is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Henry’s name may be made to the Shriners Burn Institute, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. For Directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net