Everett "Gus" Michael Armour

Pawtucket: Everett M. Armour, 75, a lifelong resident of Pawtucket, passed away on March 2nd, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late James and Leona Armour, and was the brother of Joan (Armour) Lang of Scituate. A 1957 graduate of Tolman High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where his four years of service included a tour on “Old Ironsides.”  Following his honorable discharge, he married his beloved wife of 54 years, Judith (Bryson). In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, State Senator Cynthia Armour Coyne, her husband Jerry and children Katherine, Patrick, Ian and Meghan of Barrington; and Sheila J. Lee, her husband Edward and son James of Middleboro, Massachusetts.  He was predeceased by his son, Eric. 

In 1962 he began a 21 year career with the Rhode Island State Police that culminated in his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1983.  Most of his career was spent as a member of the Bureau of Criminal Identification, where he specialized in the use of the polygraph machine.  Throughout his law enforcement career, he continued to pursue his education, graduating from Bryant University, Clark University, and Providence College.  Following his retirement from the State Police, he was the Director of Security and Fraud for Citizens Bank. 

Known as “Gus”, he was actively involved in various local community activities and organizations.  He was a founding member of the annual Save the Bay swim and the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame where he was a board member for over two decades. For years he officiated and photographed swim meets while cheering for his children and grandchildren from the pool deck. In 2011, Gus was inducted into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame.

Gus played a significant role in helping to establish the Rhode Island State Police Museum and its Foundation, and was gratified to see its establishment in 2006. 

He was particularly proud of his Scottish heritage and shared a love for the bagpipes and drums.  Gus competed internationally as a Drum Major and was a proud member of the Mystic Highlanders, Rhode Island Highlanders, and Roger Williams University pipe bands.

Gus will best be remembered by his loyal commitment to his family and the many organizations he so fondly contributed his time and energy to over the years.  We are fortunate that many of our memories have been preserved through the lens of his camera. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for him on Thursday, March 5th, commencing at 10:00a.m, at Blessed Pope John Paul II Church (formerly St. Leo the Great), 697 Central Avenue, Pawtucket followed by his burial with full military honors at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, 661 Prospect Street, Pawtucket to which family and friends are invited.  Calling hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island or the Rhode Island State Police Museum Foundation.

For online condolences please visit www.manningheffern.com.

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