PORTLAND – Christian Chenard of Portland, died on Sunday, May 20, of pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Rumford, on Nov. 10, 1950, the son of Ernest and Dorothy Chenard. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford in 1969, went on to earn a teaching degree at UMF in 1973, and then his master’s degree in education at UMO in 1978.

After a few years of teaching he found himself looking for adventure, joined the Peace Corps and taught in Liberia, Africa. Here is where he made his decision to go into nursing.

Upon his return he earned his degree in nursing at ETSU in 1985, continued on to get his master’s degree in nursing and became a nurse practitioner at Simmons College.

He spent 15 years working for the city of Portland. He began at Health Care for the Homeless and then Positive Health Care. This was one of his passions in life. Knowing he could do more for this population he returned to studies and recently earned a Ph.D. in nursing and health sciences

He touched many lives and left his mark on this world in many ways. He was very active in HIV/AIDS work and taught in the nursing program at USM. He was articulate, humorous and very witty. He was compassionate, honest and humble. There was always a lingering feeling of joy after spending time with Chris. That feeling of joy remains in many hearts, although he will be sadly missed by family, friends, colleagues and patients alike.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy of Rumford; brothers, Bill of Salem and Greg of Rumford; sisters, Cathy Briggette of Rumford, Carol Tremblay of Cape Elizabeth and Jacky Arsenault of New Portland; and his partner, Eliott Cherry of Portland.

He was predeceased by his father, Chendy; and sister, Liz.