ORONO – Bernie Bouchard, 90, formerly of Presque Isle, passed away May 8, 2013. He was the fourth child of a family of 11 children born in Fort Kent to Henry and Catherine Bouchard.
Bernie grew up in Fort Kent and graduated from Fort Kent High School. He joined Civil Conservation Corps and worked in and around Camden. After his time in the CCC, Bernie moved to Waterbury, Conn., where he worked as a machinist. In 1943, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent time in Fort Devens, Mass., Fort Polk, La., and Camp Swift, Texas. He was deployed to Europe in the 97th Infantry Division and saw combat as a heavy machine gunner in France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia. He returned home and was redeployed to be part of the invasion of Japan, but was part of the Occupation Force after the surrender of the Japanese. Bernie returned home and attended the University of Maine, Orono, where he became a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. While at the university he met his wife and life partner, Sophronia Littlefield. Bernie and Phronie were married in September 1952. Bernie worked for Eastern States Farmers Exchange and then Agway. Most of his working years were concentrated in Aroostook County in Northern Maine. Bernie was fluent in French and English, and regularly supported farmers well up into the St. John Valley. Bernie and Phronie raised their four boys in their home on 15 Cook St., Presque Isle. Bernie was a fourth order Knight of Columbus and was a regular parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, Presque Isle. Bernie was a tireless worker and in 1961 decided to build a camp on Cross Lake. This 50-year project was filled with love and is a place composed of great gatherings and memories. Bernie’s honesty, dependability and straightforward nature made him a supportive husband and father. He could always be found at the baseball fields and the high school basketball games around town during the time his boys were growing up. He also kept a fleet of lawnmowers repaired and operating for his son’s summer jobs.
Bernie was predeceased by his eldest son, Bryan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sophronia Littlefield Bouchard; children, Joe Bouchard and Candace, Ben Bouchard and Loretta, Dan Bouchard and Francine; and grandchildren, Jed, Isabella, Claire, Elise, Luke, Matthew and Emily. He is also survived by brother, Leon; and three sisters, Sarah Mae Corrow, Phyllis Brimecombe and Theresa Young.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Orono Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 72 Main St., Orono, where a funeral service will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, July 20. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. Gifts in Bernie’s memory may be made to the donor’s charity of choice.
Bernard J. Bouchard
