LEWISTON – Pierre “Peter” J. Simard Jr., 68, of Broad Street, Auburn, died at Central Maine Medical Center Friday, June 4.

He was born in Lewiston Dec. 25, 1935, the son of Pierre J. and Zoe Glidden Simard. He was educated in the Auburn school system and graduated from Edward Little High School with the class of 1954. He was a graduate of Southern Maine Technical College with a degree in Fire Science Technology, a graduate of the National Fire Academy in Emittsburgh, Md., and a graduate of the Maine State Criminal Justice Academy, Law Enforcement. He also obtained the Federal and State Fire Marshal Office Certification for Hospital Health Care Inspection and Compliance.

Mr. Simard served in the United States Coast Guard for four years as a quartermaster aboard the USCGC Acushnet, based out of Portland.

On Sept. 1, 1951, Peter married the former Juliette Fournier, and together settled down to raise their family.

He was later employed by Lapage Bakeries/Country Kitchen as a route salesman in the Rumford/Mexico area.

He was a 25-year veteran of the Auburn Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Deputy Chief and was the first full-time fire prevention and investigation officer, retiring in 1994. He was employed by the Maine State Department of Public Safety for eight years as an investigator for the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Mr. Simard was co-founder of Auburn Antenna, was a subcontractor for Adams Russell Cablevision, and also co-founder of Simard Associates, Fire Safety Consultants. During his retirement years, he worked as a private fire investigator and consultant and started the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program for the City of Auburn in the late 80s. He was an instructor at Southern Maine Technical Center, South Portland, for the Fire Science Program and State Fire Marshal’s office, and was a requested speaker for numerous organizations regarding fire safety and inspections.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 153, International Association of Arson Investigators, National Fire Protection Association (national and Maine chapters), and Past President and retired member of International Association of Firefighters Local 797.

He was a member of St. Louis Parish, past member of the St. Louis Booster Club and Little League, and was a one time member of the Booster Club board of directors. He also coached many local youth sports leagues.

He enjoyed family gatherings and cookouts, and loved to watch his grandchildren participate in various activities and sports. He enjoyed day trips and traveling to the coast or just sitting by the pool relaxing. He enjoyed photography, a good debate, and setting up decorations for the holidays.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Juliette Simard; two daughters, Janet Perreault and her husband Daniel, and Diane Boucher and her husband Donald of Lewiston; two sons, Gary Simard and his wife Cathy, and Steven Simard and his wife Lori of Auburn; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Allison, and Aaron Simard, Rebecca and Michael Perreault, and Ryan and Kasey Boucher; two sisters, Doris Ham of Otisfield, and Esther Gammon and her husband Donald of Poland.

Copy the Story Link