SouthCoast Residents Share Amazing Stories of Older Relatives

This week, we wanted to hear from our listeners and have them share stories about older relatives or ancestors with some type of cool background. I have to say, some of these had my jaw on the floor. Here are a few of our favorites:

“My father, Robert Rene Arguin, Sr., who passed in 1993, graduated from the old Voke and worked on the world’s first twin-engine helicopter the BS-12 at Omega Aircraft in New Bedford. Either while still in school or shortly thereafter. Omega was beaten out by Sikorsky for the military contract for twin-engine copters.” - Michael Arguin

 

“It's actually a sad story and a bit of an eye-opener. My grandfather (now 88) became a lifeguard at 17-years-old, back then they did a somewhat large ceremony for those who graduated the course. His ceremony was held at a park along a riverbank, during the ceremony not even 25 yards away from the stage a three-year-old drowned in the river. More than 20 men were being certified as lifeguards, and not a single person noticed the toddler. Luckily, they were able to perform CPR and he lived but definitely a reminder that you can NEVER take your eyes off children when near or in the water.” - AJ George

 

“I have a distant cousin who was canonized as a saint in 2011. Fr. Andre Bessette.” - Lisa Bessette-Cardoza

 

“My grandfather was a whaler, harpooned his first whale on his 18th birthday and was captain of his first ship by 21. Unfortunately, he passed before I was born, but my mother always told me that if he had been alive, I would have been sailing long before riding a bicycle. I am now President of the Descendants of Whaling Masters in New Bedford.” - Bill King

 

“My ancestors worked on the Hoover Dam and my late aunt worked for NASA.” - Greg Blanchard

Do you have a story of a loved one that you'd like to share?