Claude Gerard André Paquette

Claude Gerard André Paquette (Jerry) of Tempe, Arizona passed away on August 26, 2024 at home. He was born in Franklin, Vermont, the son of the late Therese (Laroche) Paquette and Gerard Paquette. He graduated from Richford High School in Richford, Vermont in 1969. He received an ASE degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vermont in 1971.

He made his permanent move to Arizona in 1979. For six months, he worked for Space Data Corporation as an Electronic Technician. He then worked for Flow Technology Inc. for over 18 years as an Electronic Technician, and later as Supervisor of the Electronic Test and Assembly Department. During which time, he received an AAS degree in Business Management from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona (1985). Other places of employment include Bolivia Technologies as a QA Engineer and Telonics Inc. as an Electronic Technician. For 10 years, he worked at Anthem College as an Electronics Instructor. From 2011 to 2021, he was employed by Tomar Electronics as Supervisor of the Electronics Test department. He retired on July 30, 2021.

He married Viki Lynn on June 15, 1996. The two of them shared a home together for 12 years in Tempe, Arizona. Jerry always had a strong belief in education, and he fulfilled a long-lasting dream of earning a bachelor's degree. He received a BSED in Career and Technical Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona on December 15, 2006.

He was member of the Scottsdale Jaycees where he worked on or was Chairmen or Sub-Chairmen on several projects such has, Parada-del-sol Rodeo, 4th of July fireworks, Family Retreats, and Our National Parks. He was awarded Roadrunner status and received the Exalted Rooster of the year Award in 1994. He served on the Board of Directors for one year and served as state program manager for the Roadrunner program for three years. He also, assisted his wife Viki for 8 years working with the Marine Corp Toys for Tots program. 

He enjoyed bowling, playing games on the computer, working out at the Gym, Astronomy and Science Fiction Movies, spending time at the lake, the river or Sun Splash Waterpark. He loved the water. He also, was a member of the "New England Patriots fan Club of Arizona". He Loved the Patriots. His biggest interest, however, was the National Parks. He loved traveling to the National Parks and doing landscape Photography, camping out and hiking while he was there. He once had a dream to visit all the National Parks in the United States. He will be missed by all. 

He is survived by his Stepson Jahn Lambert of Tempe, Arizona, Granddaughter Jasmyne, Grandson Jaycob, Marcel and Kim Paquette, Daniel and Carol Paquette, Claudette Garrow, Rita and Gordon Garrow, Monica and Lance Neveau, Lucy and John-Paul Lebeau, Madeline and Donald Wetherby, Florence and Eddy Doyle, several nieces and nephews, including a very special goddaughter Amy Wood, and other extended family members. 

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by Sisters Monique Paquette, Brothers Jerome Paquette, one niece and one nephew. 

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on September 5, 2024 with burial to follow at Tempe Buttes Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Park Conservation Association, 777 6 Street Washington DC 20001.