The Massachusetts husband and spouse who died falling by the ice whereas out on a Valentine’s Day stroll with their canine have been recognized as a “very loving” couple who had been highschool sweethearts, in response to authorities and stories.
Gerard Boucher, 72, and Kathleen Boucher, 71, had been strolling their canine round 9 a.m. on Saturday in Cape Cod after they fell by the ice on Bee’s River in Eastham, in response to the Eastham Police Division.
Two first responders additionally fell by the ice whereas attempting to rescue Kathleen, nicknamed “Package,” whose physique was discovered hours in a while Saturday. The primary responders had been safely pulled out.
The seek for Gerard, who appeared to have by no means resurfaced from the river, was suspended on Sunday because of the treacherous situations and continued on Tuesday, police mentioned.
The Bouchers moved to the Eastham space 18 years in the past and infrequently walked their beloved black lab, Casey, alongside Bee’s River, WHDH reported.
Casey was discovered protected on the seashore and reunited with prolonged household.
“They stroll all of the seashores, on a regular basis. They love being on Cape Cod. They cherished being right here, this was their place,” pal of the couple, Daybreak Varnum, instructed the outlet.
“They had been a really loving couple,” Varnum mentioned. “It’s devastating to the entire neighborhood, anybody who knew them is devastated by this tragedy.”
The couple’s daughter, Katy Boucher, instructed the Boston Globe that the household is heartbroken by the lack of Package and Gerard.
“They had been so tight,” she instructed the outlet. “Fantastic companions, however actually good associates. Their relationship was really a mannequin — affection, respect, enjoyable, shared values.”
The pair met in 1970 throughout summer time college and celebrated their fiftieth marriage ceremony anniversary with their two daughters simply final yr, she mentioned.
“It led to so many superb tales we had by no means heard earlier than,” Katy mentioned of their latest anniversary celebration.
“We’re all heartbroken, but additionally know that we will get by this, collectively,” she added.
Package was a kindergarten instructor and Jerry labored for Connecticut Pure Gasoline. The well-known couple had been energetic of their retirement and had been each part of a working group and ceaselessly volunteered locally.
“They had been a few of the most caring, kindest folks you could possibly ever meet,” pal Peter Miller added to WHDH.
Massachusetts State Rep. Steve Xiarhos, a Republican who represents the fifth Barnstable District, additionally posted a heartfelt tribute for the couple, whom he knew as associates from the Cape Cod Athletic Membership.
“We’re completely heartbroken over the tragic lack of Package Boucher and the continuing seek for her husband Jerry in Eastham,” Xiarhos wrote on Fb.
“That is such a tragedy in so some ways. A loving couple. A household shattered. A working neighborhood grieving. A complete city shaken,” he mentioned.
“They had been each a part of our Cape Cod Athletic Membership, an exquisite group of associates and fellow runners from throughout Cape Cod. For those who run on the Cape, likelihood is you knew them or noticed them,” Xiarhos added.
“They had been at all times on the market, at all times shifting, at all times collectively. They cherished this place. They cherished the seashores, the water, and their canine. They cherished life they usually cherished one another.”
The Bouchers are survived by their daughters and 6 grandchildren, their daughter mentioned.
Further water searches for Gerard will doubtless be carried out within the upcoming days, cops mentioned.
