1942 – 2014

PORTLAND — Richard “Dick” Bernard, 71, of Westbrook, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, May 11, at Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Rumford on Dec. 26, 1942, to the late Emma (Gaudet) and Joseph Bernard. Dick attended Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester, Mass., graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford in 1962 and attended Bliss College in Lewiston.

He married the love of his life, Lisette (Dupuis), just short of 49 years ago, on July 3, 1965, and raised three children together. Dick worked as an Allstate Insurance agent for more than 30 years. The long list of awards and achievements over the years are a testament to his personal service to his many clients. He was dedicated to his work and provided a wonderful life for his family.

He was an incredibly giving man, always willing to come to the aid of those in need. He and Lisette traveled extensively. They spent the summers on Sebago Lake, camping with his family and his sister, Jean and her husband, Dick, and later escaped the cold Maine winters as snowbirds in Florida.

Dick loved to entertain at home, welcoming friends and family at every opportunity on holidays and summer days. He was in his glory, boiling lobsters and steamers for friends and family at his lakeside home on Long Lake in Naples, or making handmade pizza — using an old family recipe handed down by his father and a tradition carried on by his son.

He was an active communicant of the former St. Edmund Catholic Parish in Westbrook, serving as the president of the parish council for several years. He was very athletic and loved watching and playing sports, particularly tennis, skiing and basketball. Sundays he could be found glued to a Patriots game, always calling his sister, Claire, to discuss the results immediately after or watching the Red Sox with his mother, Emma.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Lisette Dupuis Bernard; and three children, Kevin Bernard of Westbrook, Kathy Bernard of Washington, D.C., and Kris Bernard and his longtime partner, Adam Day, both of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by two sisters, Claire Perry and her husband, Donald V. Perry, of Bethel and Jean Doherty and her husband, Richard Doherty, of Rumford; two brothers-in-law, Jake Dupuis and his wife, Joyce, and Andy Dupuis and his wife, Jean; a sister-in-law, Nicky Harris; and many nieces and nephews who he cherished.

To express online condolences, please go to www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

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