Obituary of Wayne Boucher

Wayne R. Boucher, 89, of Horseheads, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, on January 28, 1936, Wayne was the son of the late Horace and Mona Boucher. A royal Canadian Air Force veteran, Wayne and his beloved wife, Joan (née Jamieson), moved to the United States in 1962 and settled in Elmira, New York. Although he became a proud U.S. citizen in 1999, his love for Canada remained lifelong. Wayne dedicated 40 years to the Elmira Star-Gazette, where he served in numerous newsroom roles including reporter, Horseheads bureau chief, and managing editor. He also worked at newspapers in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Amherst, Nova Scotia. Following his retirement from the Star-Gazette, Wayne took on new adventures, first as a school bus driver and later as an asset protection associate at Best Buy—a job he embraced with his trademark good humor until his final retirement. Wayne was a lifelong sports enthusiast and devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Montréal Canadiens. He and Joan especially enjoyed their trips to Florida for Yankees spring training. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping with family and friends, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. A voracious reader and follower of current events, he rarely missed a nightly news program. Wayne also took great pride in maintaining his lawn, finding both satisfaction and peace in keeping it just so. Wayne and Joan were married for 62 years. Together, they raised two children, the late Mickey Boucher and Michelle Boucher. In addition to Joan and Michelle, Wayne is survived by his son, Shane Boucher; Mickey’s wife, Julie Boucher; his grandchildren Justin (Jennifer) Boucher, Janine (Christian) Wilhelm and Aidan McGriff. He will also be remembered fondly by many extended family members, close friends and neighbors. He was also predeceased by his brother, Earl Boucher, and his son, Stephen Boucher. No formal services will be held. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Wayne’s life by sharing memories and photos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.barberfuneralhome.com.