On October 05 of last year, I published a brief article about Frank R. Binette being awarded a distinctive honor. He was designated Genealogiste Emerite (Genealogist Emeritus) by the Federation Quebecoise Des Societes De Genealogie based in Quebec, Canada, for his extensive work in French genealogy over the past decades. His nomination was by genealogical societies in recognition of the quality of his work and research assisting descendants of immigrants from Canada to New Hampshire, the large majority of whom arrived post-Civil War through to World War II.
Sadly, Frank Binette enjoyed the honor only a few months. He passed away February 22, 2010.
He was the son of Joseph Mederic and Philomene (Lambert) Binette. He has spent most of his life residing in Laconia, New Hampshire. Quoting from his obituary:
After retirement, he developed a passion for history and genealogy. His study of the French Canadian people and their ethnic backgrounds prompted him to join the speakers circuit. He appeared in many places throughout New England, New York State, and the Canadian Provinces. He frequented the Archives of Montreal, Trois Rivieres, and Quebec City. In the process of discovering his own family connections he began to develop methods for others to do the same in a more simplified way. With his ingenuity he created courses for beginners and advance studies in genealogy. His lectures also included in-depth studies of the Acadian Migrations from Canada. He had been privileged to document some 800 linkages, to lecture at some 150 gatherings, and to publicize over 100 articles all with great zeal and mental excitement, all this became his life work. He and his wife Suzanne traveled extensively all over the US, Canada, and several parts of Europe. Achieving the title as a designated Genealogist Emeritus by the Federation Quebecoise des Societies de Genealogie based in Quebec, Canada for his far-reaching work in French genealogy over the past three decades.
He holds life memberships in the following groups and societies: VFW, American Legion, DAV, Am Vets, and the American-Canadian Genealogical Society in Manchester.
You can read the full obituary at http://www.currentobituary.com/Memory.aspx?Memory_ObitdID=75533.
Memorial donations may be made to the American-Canadian Genealogical Society, PO Box 6478, Manchester, NH 03108-6478 or Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main St, Laconia, NH 03246.
