ST. AGATHA and MADAWASKA – Jean Paul Bechard, 88, beloved husband of the late Estelle Cote Bechard, passed away Jan. 29, 2011, at Ridgewood Estates, Madawaska. He was born April 18, 1922, in St. Agatha, the son of Denis and Catherine Cote Bechard.
Jean Paul earned a living working hard at various places, including Gerald Chamberland Farm, Hornbrook Co. and starch factories in St. Agatha and Frenchville. In 1983 Jean Paul retired from R.J. Roy Plumbing and Heating Co. He was an avid fisherman, excellent gardener – especially echalottes, and loved playing cards and four-wheeling. He also did his share of riding snowmobile and trail grooming for Red Arrow Club. He was always ready and available to give a helping hand to his family and anyone who asked. Jean Paul was a third degree member of Knights of Columbus. In 1999 he was named Father of the Year; an award that brought him and his family great pleasure.
Jean Paul is survived by six sons and their wives, Lionel and Joyce of Brewer, Reginald “Pum” and Mary of Lisbon, Philip and Linda of St. David, Marcel and Judy of Madawaska, Danny and Arlene of St. Agatha and Steven and Linda of Madawaska; 11 grandchildren, Kim, Vicky, Becky, Kevin, April, Maegan, Ethan, Madison, Chad, Amy and Tammy; 10 great-grandchildren, Drew and Abigail Bennett, Grayson, Sloan and Maeve Ginevan, Haley Morse, Will and Logan Bossie, Aubrey LeClair and Kinsley Caswell; his brother, Ronald; three sisters, Therese, Yvette and Marie Estelle; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Estelle, in 1995; four brothers, Armand, Claude, Lucien and Roger; and three sisters, Agathe, Germaine and Aline. The Bechard family thanks Debbra Babin, the staff and nurses at Ridgewood Estates, Madawaska, for the love and diligent care he received while being a resident of the facility. He felt very much at home with the Roy family during his final years and will be missed by his family and friends.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, and 8 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Michaud Funeral Home, St. Agatha. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Agatha Catholic Church with the Rev. Phil Cyr officiating. Burial will be in the spring at St. Agatha Lower Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Jean Paul in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Ridgewood Estates Activity Fund, Madawaska, or Our Lady of the Valley Fuel Fund, St. Agatha. Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Michaud Funeral Home, St. Agatha. Condolences may be sent to
www.michaudfuneralhomes.com.