Louis Beaudoin, 1976 Ann Meuer photo from 1980 National Traditional Old Time Fiddle Contest album These poems, stories, songs, quote, and art have been gathered from all over the world, partly via FIDDLE-L, an online list for fiddlers and those who love fiddle music. dhebert@crocker.com

Louis Beaudoin - Eulogy National Traditional Old Time Fiddle Contest Album, 1980 To be extremely popular, a great fiddler, and claim the friendship of a vast following of people is in itself an achievement attained by few. Of the few, none have soared to greater heights in this respect than Louis Beaudoin. Louis was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, and moved to Vermont in 1937. Shortly afterward, destiny placed him in contact with the gifted Canadian fiddler, Joe Danis, who, acting as tutor, soon had Louis oriented to the Canadian type of fiddling that he loved so well. In 1946, Louis and Julie LaCourse were married, with five children to arrive in the forthcoming years. He became a member of the Burlington VT Police Department in 1953, and served the community for eleven years before retiring in 1964 to open his own business - an automotive radiator shop. Over the years, this shop became a well-known and productive institution, and was the focal point for repeated visits from friends and fellow fiddlers, with many a radiator repair being capped off by rendering a few fiddle tunes. He has been classified as a professional fiddler, but his real dedication to the fiddle was not professionalism. It was a public-sharing talent, and a deep-seated love for the French-Canadian style, played as only Louis could. He was very active in the Council of Arts, where many have received real benefits from his participation. One of the outstanding accomplishments which helped to expand his popularity was being selected to play at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. for President Jimmy Carter's Inauguration Eve Square Dance. His brother, Wilfred played guitar with him, and his daughter Lisa danced Canadian-style clogging and also played the piano. This accomplishment not only made Louis' fiddling ability more widely known; it made his friends and fellow fiddlers keenly aware of his ability and popularity. Thus, he had the best wishes of the entire community behind him. Louis served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Northeast Fiddlers' Association, a position he held for eleven years until his untimely death. Every member of the organization feels the deepest sorrow knowing that this tribute to Louis must be given posthumously, as he passed away in February of 1980. there is now a void in the fiddling world that will never be replaced. At fiddle meets both near and far, His vibrant fiddle sounded And all who heard those joyous notes Had happiness compounded - Louis was there When fiddle tunes of cheerful vein Were played with pleasing rhythm All it took was a pleasant smile And more of the same would be given - Louis was there With friendly gatherings at his home By neighbors, friends and brothers Enjoyed by all who mingled there Each welcoming the other - Louis was there If strife of any kind should fall On family or friend It merely took a beck or call He'd cheer and comfort them - Louis was there Though he has left in body His spirit still is near And the echo of his fiddle Will be sounding through the years - Louis is here © 1980 - Northeast Fiddlers' Association