Less Boucher passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8, following a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Beth, was by his side.
Less was born in Springfield, the only child of James Langston Boucher and Julia Gram Boucher. He spent his early years in Girard, IL, later moving to Virden, IL. He graduated from Virden High School, where he excelled in both sports and scholastics.
His college years were spent at Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science. While at Knox, Less played football and joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, making many lifelong friends. He continued his post-graduate studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, with a focus on Economics.
A dedicated public servant, Less spent much of his career working in the collection, organization and distribution of labor market and employment information, along with employment and training development. He began his professional career as a Planner with the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program (CETA) in 1979, and at the age of 26, he was named Executive Director for the Land of Lincoln Consortium – the agency that administered CETA and other programs for a multi-county area in Central Illinois. He would go on to serve as the Associate Director for the Illinois Occupational Information Coordinating Committee and as the Central Region Manager for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, before retiring in 2012.
Less married fellow Knox graduate Beth Prough in 1976, and together, they enjoyed many wonderful adventures. Less loved playing and listening to good music, and those who knew him understood his deep love for the Beatles, Tom Petty and the Blues. He was an avid softball player, and a lifelong gym and weight-lifting enthusiast. Less also enjoyed photography, travel, Mixed Martial Arts and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls. He loved all animals, and rescued many pets over the years. And he always appreciated a good joke.
Less is survived by Beth, his wife of 48 years. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Amy Stumpfl (Dan) of Franklin, TN; nephews David Stumpfl (Cynthia) of Nashville, TN; and Sean Stumpfl (Cara Roadarmel) of Hermitage, TN; as well as a large extended family, including many beloved cousins.
Per Less‘ wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Memorial Gathering for friends and family will be held at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield, on Saturday, February 22, between the hours of 1 pm and 4 pm. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Donations may be made to Gilda’s Club Chicago, the Animal Protective League of Springfield or the charity of your choice.
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