Started Pumping Fuel And Plowing Snow In 1963

Ray Gibouleau got his start in aviation by fueling airplanes and clearing the snow from the Dewitt Field Old Town Municipal Airport (KOLD) in Old Town, Maine, in 1963. He also provided flight instruction for $1.15 per hour!

He went on to earn his certifications and ratings in numerous aircraft ranging from single engine pistons to jets. But he will likely be remembered more for his sage advice, smile, and sense of humor that put people at ease around him.

Gibouleau was recently honored by airport officials but the best part was that he had no idea. The airport revealed a street sign on the airport named for him, “Ray Gibouleau Drive.”

“Dad’s service to this place has been really stalwart,” said his daughter Monique Bouchard. She continued, “As an adult of course, that means for me that this community is a place that’s been deeply ingrained in my soul. It’s an important place. We’ve been here and given back in a lot of ways to the community at large so I can only hope to have the same kind of effect and impact that my dad has had.”

Ray’s grandson, Jesse Bouchard, plans to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and wants to become a helicopter pilot in the Army. He said, “I’m very fortunate to have my grandfather do this kind of stuff.I know he’s impacted so many people and he’s really impacted me, he’s made me the man I am today.”

Ray Gibouleau expressed his thanks and gratitude for the people who have supported him along the way, especially his family. He also noted that his wife of 56 years did a spectacular job of keeping this moment a secret.

FMI:  old-town.org/airport