Rene Jacque Mauboussin was a man of great courage and intellect.
He was born in Paris, France during Cherry blossom time. Throughout
his life he adored the iconic wonders of France, cried over the 2019
Norte Dame fire, loved Roquefort, and valued the art of being
intellectual.
His mother was a fan of Rene Descartes, and it is known that she
named her son after this philosopher. Our Rene rose to his
namesake's belief: "I think, therefore I am." Growing up in the 1920's
and 30's in Paris created a liberal frame of mind, and this foundation
guided much of Rene's future mindset. It was no surprise that just
prior to the German occupation, his family moved to the US.
America offered its usual mixed bag of emotions and immigration
limitations. Dad Maurice went from being a French engineer to chef
and 'Sorbonne educated.' Therese became a seamstress! Rene- well,
he was drafted and returned to Europe and North Africa. Wounded in his
homeland, allowed for a reconnection to soil and roots. Years
marched on and at war's end Rene returned to the US with a Purple
Heart on his chest.
Sorting life's mysteries out, Rene found himself back to 'the books'.
While earning his aeronautical engineering degree, he fell into the
captivating web of Rita Voras: a vivacious; strong; fun loving NYC gal.
They married and emerged with youthful energy into the new
Suburbia. Together they bought an affordable Long Island home, a
pastel colored Buick, and entertained in their manicured yard.
Rene was self-made, worked hard, and became a dedicated engineer
at Grumman Aerospace. Often as the key research engineer on fuel
line systems and jet engines, he worked on some incredible 'time
period' projects. Highlights were the engineering on supersonic
tactical attack aircraft, like the F111 and the F15 Tom Cat. Rene
moved to designing elements of the B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber and the
Lunar Module, as well.
Free time did enter into complex schedules. Rita and Rene, or Ronnie
as she called him, traveled globally, golfed, retired in Florida, and
spent endless hours with family visitors. Quality time was spent at the
beach, almost grinning on Disney World rides, shuffle board and chess
tournaments, Cape Kennedy visits, and barbecuing. Celebrating 71
years of marriage was a milestone event, before Rita's departing in
2018.
Living out his last 2 years as an independent senior was a positive
life's chapter. Still with a current driver's license (oh, my,), growing his
azaleas, engulfing his active mind into hundreds of books, enjoying his
Catholic community, and decorating for holidays- Rene smiled often.
He approached everyday with new wonder: online banking; cell
phones; apps; etc.
Deeply loving of his family in a rather "Descartes" way, he was
extremely dedicated to them. Rene will be greatly missed!!!
He leaves an only child- Diana Jennings, his dynamic grandsons:
Travis and Roarke (whom he deeply loved), and a great grandson:
Niko. Also, Uncle Rene will be greatly remembered by his niece, Pat
Travers and nephew, Gerry Voras- and their loving families, who
'supported him well' in twilight years.
A life celebration will be held this summer for Rene Jacque in Port
Townsend, WA. The 'energy of Rene' and his ashes will be spread
among azaleas on the land of his last heartfelt project of Yurt
engineering and construction (Juri, Roarke & Niko's roundHome).
As we exchange Rene stories, shed tears, applaud his
multidimensional life of loyalty, faith, hard work, intense intellect,
hospitality, and love…..we will put him to rest on yet another shoreline:
closer to all his western (CA., CO., UT., WA.) families.