Laurent S. Rivard
1920 – 2009

LEWISTON — Laurent S. Rivard “Larry,” 88, of Maison Marcotte, formerly of “Little Canada,” died Monday, Aug. 24, at Central Maine Medical Center, after a brief illness, with his family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston, Dec. 24, 1920, a son of the late Heleodore and Clara (Maheaux) Rivard. Larry was educated in local schools, until he was drafted and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He landed on the beaches of Normandy, helped in the liberation of Paris, fought in Metz, France, marched to Bastonge for the Battle of the Bulge also invaded Germany and helped liberate concentration camps.

He married the love of his life, the former Cecile Rioux on Feb. 9, 1946, and together they raised their five children. She predeceased him in 2007. He worked as a shoe cutter for local shoe shops. After retirement, he enjoyed working on Belanger Farm with his boys, Kiki and Banum Belanger. He also enjoyed volunteering his time at d’Youville Pavilion.

He was a former member of St. Mary’s Church, now attending Holy Trinity, was a lifetime member of the Pastime Club and the American Legion Post 158 and the Lewiston Senior Citizens. In 2004, he received his high school diploma from Lewiston High School.

He leaves three sons, Donald Rivard and his wife, Jane, of Lisbon Falls, Gilbert Rivard and his wife, Elaine, of Lewiston and Richard Rivard and his wife, Linda, of Tennessee; a daughter, Dolorese Grenier and her husband, John, of Monmouth; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife; a daughter, Theresa Goding; four sisters, Martina, Pauline, Heleodoris and Jeannette; and three brothers, Conrad, Lucien and Sylvio.