1942-2004

RUMFORD – Francis “Bo” Ralph Bedard, 62, of Middle Avenue, Mexico, died Saturday, Jan. 3, at Rumford Community Hospital.

He was born March 5, 1942, the son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Young) Bedard. Bo attended Stephens High School and graduated with the class of 1960, and later attended Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. He served with the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966.

On May 27, 1967, he married Jeanne Hawkes and together they settled down to raise their family. Mr. Bedard, along with his family, owned and operated Ralph’s Store. He was a member of St. Theresa’s Parish and belonged to the Rumford Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Bo was also known as an outstanding athlete in high school by setting track records, pole vaulting and making Little All American in football. He enjoyed water sports, played in the local mens’ softball league and was a very good pool player. Bo was also an avid computer enthusiast and would spend many hours playing chess over the Internet. The time he treasured most was spent with his children, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is survived by: his wife of thirty-six years; his daughters, Amy Gillis and her husband, Michael, of Bar Harbor, and Audrey Bedard of Mexico; his sons, Todd Bedard of Lynn, Mass., and Nathan Bedard and his wife, Rhonda, of San Angelo, Tex.; his granddaughter, Brittany Leigh Bedard of Mexico; sisters, Shirly Dorey and husband, Robert, of East Andover, and Gloria Dayon and husband, Ronald, of Rumford; brothers Lawrence Bedard and wife, Evelyn, of Rumford, and Raymond Bedard of Mexico; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Bernard, and two infant daughters, Jennifer and Elizabeth.