1922 – 2003

LEWISTON – Robert H. Bechard, 81, of 58 Oxbow Drive, Lewiston, died Friday morning, Dec. 19, at Central Maine Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born in Lewiston Aug. 16, 1922, the son of Albert and Laura Dion Bechard. He had been a resident of this community all of his life.

He was employed as a forman in the local shoe industry.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the United States Army in the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign with B Battery 469th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. He saw action in the New Guinea and Southern Philippines campaigns.

He enjoyed maintaining the grounds at Country Lane Estates. He also enjoyed reading, writing and doing crossword puzzles. Most of all, he loved his precious time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, the former Gilberte Boisvert, whom he married May 28, 1949, of Lewiston; one daughter, Dolores Upton of South Carolina; two sons, Bert Bechard and his wife Ruth of Auburn, and Don Bechard and his wife Debbie of Monmouth; one brother, Rosaire Bechard of Lewiston; eight grandchildren, Eric, Alaina, Suzette, Scott, Andrew, Jerod, Brandon and Angela; three great-grandchildren, Allyson, Ashley, and Amanda; several nieces, nephews, and his extended family.

He was predeceased by one brother, Roger Bechard; and one sister, Lucille Boisvert.