PLYMOUTH-At Noon on Wednesday, April 27 friends, family, and loved ones of Stephen Guillet gathered at memorial rock on the Alumni green, regardless of the rain, to take part in a memorial service celebrating Guillet’s life.
President Wharton and Vice President of Academic Affairs Richard Hage opened the ceremony with consoling words for the mourning campus.
Hage thanked Guillet’s family for joining the service on campus, as the situation is most difficult for them: ” Your presence here means a great deal to us, you are all helping us because we too loved Stephen.”
” Stephen gave so much…touched so many…[it’s hard to understand] why he was taken at such a tender age,” added Hage.
The mourners were then lead in a march around campus by Guillet’s family and friends who carried a torch and wreath.
Casey Pooler, a member of the US Special Forces shared his personal experiences with Guillet during the ceremony, ” He is the best overall person that I ever met in my life…he’d do great things for people and never ask for anything in return.”
UNH student and long time girlfriend, Laura Cote lost a best friend and a boyfriend on that tragic day. “Stephen treated me like a princess…he was there for me 24/7…even through the rough times we never gave up…he lived life without regrets and we had fun together…I don’t think I’ll ever understand this.”
Craig Smith a fellow Phi Chi Delta brother shared with the crowd things that he would say to Guillet if he had the chance, ” Stephen, your life inspired us to live better and never give up.”
Several other people spoke on Guillet’s behalf, remembering him as a funny, bright, intelligent, and unforgettable friend.
The ceremony was then closed with an acapella version of “Amazing Grace” sung by everyone attending the memorial service.
After the ceremony mourners were encouraged to go to the Hub for refreshments and to view the table of pictures and memorabilia that illustrated Guillet’s life.
“I remember him coming into the office, he was so bubbly and bright this was so tragic. Students just don’t think this could happen to them,” stated Betty Reeg PSU’s degree auditor.
Guillet was an engineer in the New Hampshire National Air Guard, a third year marketing major, and a member of the Phi Chi Delta fraternity.
He is survived by his mother, Norma Guillet, sister Lauren Guillet, and grandfather Bernard Guillet.