MADAWASKA – Harold Philip “Blackie” Gerard, 88, went to be with the Lord June 21, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 15, 1923, in Limestone, son of the late Edward and Marie (Bernier) Gerard.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having fought in World War II. Blackie worked at Fraser Paper for 44 years, until his retirement in 1985. A lifetime resident of Madawaska, he enjoyed hunting, card games, fishing, golfing, John Wayne movies and cooking.
He is survived by his four children, Jackie and her husband, Claude “Pit” Clavette, of Madawaska, Eddie Gerard and his wife, Lauraine, of Florida, Patricia Hodge and her husband, George, of Connecticut and Reynold Gerard of Linneus; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; three siblings, Val Gerard and Rochelle Boyer, both of California, and Geneva “Jennie” Shockland of Florida; many nieces and nephews. Blackie was predeceased by his son, Harold P. “Pete” Gerard Jr.; and six siblings, Esther Martin, Adeline Maver, Herman Gerard, Mildred LaCombe, Ronald Gerard and Rena Mae Fife.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Lajoie Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Dale Nason. Family and friends may call noon until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be held immediately after the service at St. Thomas Cemetery, Madawaska. For online condolences, please visit
www.lajoiefuneralhome.com.