Cecil
Rene
Campot
May 14, 1926 - January 19, 2021
Resided in Jamestown, Rhode Island
Campot, Cecil R, 94, previously of Jamestown passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2021. He was born in Boston, but after the tragic loss of his mother at age 5, he and his brother, Maurice, were sent to be raised by their paternal grandmother on the cold, windswept French island of St. Pierre. Cecil was a natural athlete and played soccer, basketball and was a graceful ice skater, and ballroom dancer. He had wanted to study architecture, but because of WWII it was impossible, so he learned carpentry over a five year apprenticeship in which he built everything imaginable from wood: houses, boats, and an airplane, all started from the logs he planed himself.
He and his brother always held on to their American passports, and at 26, following his younger brother, Cecil returned to Boston to seek his fortune. His father and step family were welcoming and helpful, but his heavy accent and poor English made the early years difficult. Fortunately, his work ethic, tireless energy and amazing skill quickly made him a sought after worker, and it wasn’t long before he joined the Carpenter’s Union. For 60 years he was a proud member.
On a blind date he met his future bride, Patricia Harrington of Hyde Park. They were both beautiful dancers. She said that she appreciated that he was a gentleman and generous. She was also impressed by his talent. He took her ice skating early on. Cecil always focused on his strengths, which probably contributed to his happy nature.
With hard work he succeeded, and was able to buy a sailboat and a second home in Jamestown, RI. For over 40 years the couple hosted family and friends all summer long. Cecil loved to sail, and was always happy to have company to regale with stories of his incredible early life in St. Pierre. Where, as a boy, the harbor was full of ships, even three masters, and whales breaching off the coast were a common sight.
His late wife of over 64 years, Patricia Campot, passed on St. Patrick’s Day 2019. They leave four children; two sons and their spouses, Peter Campot and Carolyn Campot of Topsfield MA, Kevin Campot and Marcie Campot of Norton MA; two daughters and their spouses Tracy Roberts and Mark Robyn of Santa Fe, NM, Robin Campot and David Fennell of Guilford, CT; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was the brother of Maurice Campot of Weymouth, Mass.
His committal service was privately held at St. Mark Cemetery in Jamestown. A celebration of Cecil’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a local food bank will be appreciated.
He and his brother always held on to their American passports, and at 26, following his younger brother, Cecil returned to Boston to seek his fortune. His father and step family were welcoming and helpful, but his heavy accent and poor English made the early years difficult. Fortunately, his work ethic, tireless energy and amazing skill quickly made him a sought after worker, and it wasn’t long before he joined the Carpenter’s Union. For 60 years he was a proud member.
On a blind date he met his future bride, Patricia Harrington of Hyde Park. They were both beautiful dancers. She said that she appreciated that he was a gentleman and generous. She was also impressed by his talent. He took her ice skating early on. Cecil always focused on his strengths, which probably contributed to his happy nature.
With hard work he succeeded, and was able to buy a sailboat and a second home in Jamestown, RI. For over 40 years the couple hosted family and friends all summer long. Cecil loved to sail, and was always happy to have company to regale with stories of his incredible early life in St. Pierre. Where, as a boy, the harbor was full of ships, even three masters, and whales breaching off the coast were a common sight.
His late wife of over 64 years, Patricia Campot, passed on St. Patrick’s Day 2019. They leave four children; two sons and their spouses, Peter Campot and Carolyn Campot of Topsfield MA, Kevin Campot and Marcie Campot of Norton MA; two daughters and their spouses Tracy Roberts and Mark Robyn of Santa Fe, NM, Robin Campot and David Fennell of Guilford, CT; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was the brother of Maurice Campot of Weymouth, Mass.
His committal service was privately held at St. Mark Cemetery in Jamestown. A celebration of Cecil’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to a local food bank will be appreciated.
Burial
Private
