Pierre Armond Drouin, “Peter” died on April 28, 2022 at the age of 69 in St Petersburg, Fla. He passed away surrounded by loved ones after a short illness. He is predeceased by both his parents: Raymond Drouin and Theresa St Cyr.
Peter grew up in Windham, Connecticut where was very active with 4H and enjoyed raising animals his entire life. He graduated from Windham High School in 1970 and served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1974.
Peter continued higher education receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Connecticut State University in May 1978 and, concurrently, received an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering from Thames Valley Technical College in June 1978. He continued advanced studies and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven in May 1988.
Peter never settled for anything in his life and always believed in doing better. He worked as a supervisor at General Dynamics in Groton, CT for 10 years. He then relocated his family to Florida in 1988/89 where he built a beautiful home, raised his family, and enjoyed the success of his Paradise Palms Nursery and Drouin Excavation business. He was goal driven, had a strong work ethic, and was an avid learner. He may have earned an Electrical Engineering Degree but he was determined to master all skills in carpentry, masonry, welding, plumbing, mechanical engineering and drafting. However, his pride and passion was his excavation business. His attitude with excavation was always positive and he was a professional. He could pick up an item as small as a can and not bend it , he would then describe his work as play: “it’s not going to work, it’s playing in the sand box and getting paid”.
Peter had a lifelong interest in raising goats, chicks, and bee keeping; he wasted nothing and enjoyed marketing goat milk, free range eggs, and organic honey. He pursued numerous interests: antique John Deere tractors, running a palm tree nursery, and travel which took him to many countries.
Peter loved people and his infectious laugh and bigger than life personality drew people to him everywhere he went. He was a kind and extremely generous man helping many disadvantaged people, his community, and many social agencies. He was specifically generous to the Veterans and was a life member of: the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, American Veterans, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Peter is survived by his daughters: Pamela Drouin (Taylor Kenkel), Betsy Drouin (Erin Giblin), and Amanda Ouillette (Derek). He adored his grandchildren Aiden Daly, Daniel Daly, Jameson Ouillette, and Jolene Giblin.
He is also survived by 8 siblings: Paul J. Drouin (Gloria), Arthur Drouin (Debbie), Jeanette Drouin Kegler (nee David Kegler), Charles Drouin (Joanne), Patrick Drouin, Andre Drouin (Tina), Carol Drouin Paddock (Robert), Pauline George; and a former spouse, Kathy Hall Drouin.
Peter loved his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives in the USA and Canada.
Burial Services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 11am located at Bay Pines National Military Cemetery 10000 Bay Pines Blvd St. Petersburg, Fla.
Celebration of Life will be held following the burial at The American Legion Post 104
7550 60th Way N Pinellas Park, Fla 33781
Donations may be made to a Veterans Services or a charity of your choice.
Well Peter, I never thought I would be writing a condolence to your family, I sincerely wish I were not! You, Kathy and your family were part of our life for so many years. so many fond memories. You are gone Peter but you will never be forgotten by this family of Drouins.
To all the Drouin family, by birth or marriage, Ron and I are deeply saddened for you as well as ourselves because of the passing of Peter, he was one of a kind.
In March 2022, you exchanged text messages with me for what would be the last time Peter. Your last message to me was “ i like you”. I can’t erase it and it beings tears. You were a good friend and I know how much you loved everyone around you. I liked you too Peter, a lot. I miss you and can’t believe that you are no longer here with us. But since you passed, I keep finding pennies everywhere that I look and I am really beginning to believe that they are pennies from heaven. Pennies from you perhaps? I know that your family is heartbroken and they have my deepest condolences. It will be a huge adjustment to know that you are gone. I wish them peace.
Wow… looking for my old boss and finding out you are no longer with us was definitely not on my bingo card. Honestly, it hit me hard.
You were more than a boss to me. You believed in me and saw potential in me before I ever saw it in myself. You pushed me, trusted me, and helped me realize I was capable of a lot more than I thought. Thank you for all the lessons. You played a huge role in changing my life.
I’ll never forget helping you rebuild a home by your plant and gravel nursery, and getting the honor of meeting your wife, Kathy, after hearing you talk so highly of her. She was the sweetest lady. Thank you for believing in me. I witnessed you help so many people. You never put up with BS or laziness, lol, and you never held your tongue. That’s what I respected most about you. You were brutally honest, and some people may not have liked that, lol, but for me, it pushed me to be a better version of myself.
Thank you for playing such a huge role in my growth. You were like a father more than a boss, and I pray your spirit is at peace.
I just wish I had the chance to tell you thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for pushing me, and for helping me become the person I am today. I’ll never forget you.