Chester B. Rochette
Guest Book: Notes From Loved Ones

Photo Album

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September 26, 2006

This is the day, one year ago, that Dad was taken to Heaven.

Remembering him with loving memories.

He left an example for his children and grandchildren and future generations to follow.

He was a man of Faith. Loving, faithful, honest, hardworking....I could fill a volume...always making us feel loved and special. I thank God for him and for the many years the Lord gave him to be with us.

I miss you Dad.

Your loving daughter,

Lois Packard (Clermont, FL)

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January 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers to all the Rochette family. Good times and bad times you are all thought of often and will never be forgotten.

May God Bless you all.

Jacqueline V. Hargreaves (Kings Mountain, NC)

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October 15, 2005

I'll never forget the last four words Dad said to me "I love you Ed"

May the love of God grant you eternal peace. May your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and future generations show the love of Christ that shined in your life.

Amen
Edward A. Rochette (Concord, NC)

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October 9, 2005

As I sit reading the entries in this Guest Book I realized none of the sons or daughters have wrote anything. I've thought of making an entry ever since Dad passed away, but never quite knew what to say. I think all of us children may feel the same way, not that we don’t have anything to say but rather that we have too much to say.

Dad was so much to me I have a hard time focusing on one attribute or occurrence to write about. My memories fly around my head so fast I still can’t seem to sort things out.

This past summer Dad seemed to really have it out for ells. I am so glad I took time out to join him on this quest. I had even prayed before one outing that Dad be granted the thrill of catching one last mess of ells… in retrospect, maybe I shouldn’t have phrased it that way. On our outings we did catch fish, mostly Bass, Perch, & Sun Fish. Dad was more interested in the Blue Gils because they’ve got sweater meat and, in later years, because they were ‘safer’ to eat.

When I was a kid we would go down to the end of Houseman’s dock and set drop lines, using smashed Mussels, which we would dry on the dock pilings, as bate. Man, would we get ‘em. Some times we would save the head with skin attached and fish for Strippers. Dad knew how to have his cake (fish) and eat it too (bate for the next fish.) I never caught a stripper (on purpose) with Dad, but one of the nights we were fishing with the ell head/skin bate off Houseman’s beach we hooked something that peeled all the line off our surfcaster, with us trying to play it the whole time, until it got to the end of the line and snapped it. Dad never used wimpy fishing line – especially on his sea rods, so he could “horse ’em in”.

The best day was when Dad and I ‘filled’ our boat with ells from Bobbing. The ells were hitting so fast and so hard that we would fling them right over the opposite side of the boat when we brought them in… what a feed we had. All it cost were the lives of a couple hundred worms and one of Dad’s flash lights, which I had dropped overboard, and which was still shining on the bottom of the Salmon River as we headed in for home. Never did Dad mention that flashlight in a condescending or vicious way… we may have joked about it from time to time throughout our lives, but he never showed any less trust in me for it. Damn he was good.

Oh, there are so many thing to write about… no one would want to read them.

I only remember getting a spanking once from Dad… never pushed him far enough to ask for another after that, and boy did we deserve it (I wonder if Eddy knows what I’m talking about.)

Mom and Dad were so forgiving of me; I think that’s why my brothers and sisters say I’m spoiled. In reality it wasn’t that I was spoiled as much as Mom and Dad were worn out from disciplining the other 8 kids. As I grew into my teens they must have adopted an attitude somewhere along the lines of ‘you just can’t control everything a kid does’, kind of like what everyone seems to believe now-a-days. When I would come home on a weekend, late of course, and gently tap on their bedroom door they knew something was up. After all, if everything was OK I would have sneaked off to bed rather than waking them up. I can’t remember if there was anything else I would say to soften the blow, but at this point they had a pretty good idea why I was waking them. All they would say is “did anyone get hurt”, and, thank God, the answer was always “no”. They would always tell me they loved me and would remind me to say my prayers.

I’m glad Dad got to see the spec house I built. Thanks to everything Dad taught me, my life with Linda is pretty good. It doesn’t get much better than this.

I miss him.

Bill Rochette (Hebon, CT)

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October 7, 2005

Although in the family for only a few years, I've spent much time fishing, gardening and playing cards with dad. Every time I would do something for him, he would thank me. Not kinowing that I got more out of doing than he realized.

He loved his family and was very proud of all his 9 children. When I commented how good Chet and Bill were as builders, he immediately commented that Eddie and Vic were very good too. When he had not seen one of his daughters for awhile, he would comment "Your one of my favorite daughters" We went fishing and "eeling"{ where ever he had an idea we might do well. We learned the safest way to get in a boat and enjoyed many times fishing on Lake Williams. The proudest I have ever been were the times he would put his arm on my shoulder and say "Thanks, son" I have never known a man so humble, so loving to his family and so appreciative for all that was done for him. I am honored that this wonderful man was a part of my life for a short time and I wished it could have been for a lifetime. I miss him. Thanks for this opportunity to pay a tribute to such a wonderful person

Son-in law Dick
Dick Schlosser (Lebanon, CT)

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October 1, 2005

I can remember visiting my Grandfather when I was a very young child. Since I didn't live in Connecticut I didn't get the opportunity to visit on a daily basis, but I have some great memories of bonding that others didn't get to experience. We had wonderful adventures traveling across Europe. Whether exploring East Berlin, La Rochette castle, fishing in the Baltic sea or just cruising around England, Grandpa was always interested in one thing.....people.

I remember always being welcomed with a big hug and being asked, "how's the family" and "how is work?". Grandpa wouldn't ask these questions just to make conversation. He genuinely wanted to know. Caring about others was one of his strong points.

When others would say, "who is that?" or "what's his name?", Grandpa would say, "I remember when you were little", and continue with something like," You could run so fast. Can you still run like that?". He seemed to know every one of us on a personal level and made us feel like no one else mattered.

I can still see Grandpa sitting at the little table in the kitchen of the old farm house, eating oatmeal and burnt toast proclaiming,"It will put hair on your chest".

Eddy Rochette (Concord, NC)

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September 30, 2005

Grandpa,
in the years i have known you ,you always had a smile on your face and always full of love..the boys and i really enjoyed seeing you in august for dj's brithday party...we will always rember you grandpa

....In loving memories...

Lisa, Mandi, DJ and James Koss (Belvidere, VT)

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September 29, 2005

James Fishback (Lake City, FL)

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September 28, 2005

We love you grandpa and will miss you dearly. We will remember you always ~ especially so whenever we are fishing or gardening. We are thankful that you were able share your love of fishing with Tyler just like you did with us.

Melissa, Craig, & Tyler Levanduski (High Springs, FL)


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September 28, 2005

My Grandfather was not only a fisherman but, more importantly, "A FISHER OF MEN"! He captured more hearts in men thank all the fishes of the seas. What makes that special to me is is the Christian upbringing he bestowed upon us all. From his nine children to his 36 Grandchildren to his 46 Great Grandchildren and his two Great Great Granchildren.

Grandpa was always "there" for me and for everyone else that I can remember. Whether it was what rock to turn over to find the best salimander for bait, or what corner of his worm bin to dig in to catch the biggest fish or, a simple ride home from work or school.....GRANDPA WAS ALWAYS "THERE". He was "there" every day of my life growing up in Hebron just two houses away. He was "there" in the fields on his tractor. He was "there" to show me the right way to tie a fisherman's not. And, he was "there" A Lot untangling my line all the time. He was "there" in the rasberry patch to heal a bee stung hand....and, how he was able to soothe it with just mud and a smile. And, of course, Grandma to help the tears with her scrumptious baking. The most important thing I can remember about Grandpa is that he was "THERE" for Christ and his family. It seems like just yesterday I was helping Grandpa till and plant his garden. And, when I think of planting...I think of how Grandpa planted his roots. From the long bloodline to his fruit patches and, the many Christmas tree pines he planted. Having Grandpa help me cut a tree from his own patch for Christmas made each Christmas that much more special. I only Pray that I can make half the roots that Grandpa layed.

Oh Grandpa, Oh Grandpa You
You left me, left me feeling Blue
As Our Lord has taken you Away
I rejoice and, am happy to Say
I will LOVE, CHERISH and REMEMBER you Each and Every Day

Knowing Grandpa has always made me more kind to humanity, keeping the faith in God and, believing in the simple things in life especially, "nature". I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU GRANDPA!!!

Todd Sklodosky (East Hampton, CT)

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September 27, 2005

We remember fondly al the wonderful days spent at the shore in Madison, CT

Roland & Barbara Hoekman (New Bern, NC)

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September 27, 2005

Grandpa,
I will always remember how you taught me how to fish when I was just 4 years old.We went down to Bashan Lake in Moodus, and stood on the dock at the boat launch, and you taught me how to cast my fishing pole.You never complained when I asked you to put the worm on for me.I will think of you every time I help my daughter cast her pole out on Lake Williams on the dock.I love you Grandpa!

Pam Fusco (Vernon, CT)

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September 27, 2005

Grampa, I love and miss you so much!! I'll never forget all the good times.

Love,
Christine Pleasent (Tempe, AZ)

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September 27, 2005

Uncle Chet, I will miss your smile and playing pinchole in Florida. You are loved.

Florence & Bill Casey (Clermont, FL)