Maurice J. Bard

FAIRFIELD – Maurice J. Bard, 78, of Fairfield, passed away on Feb. 3, 2022, at home with his family by his side, after a courageous ten-year battle with Leukemia.

Maurice was born on August 22, 1943, in Fort Kent, son of Alcide and Cecile (Robichaud) Bard, one of 12 children. He attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High School in 1962. Maurice married the love of his life, Barbara (Rowe) Bard in August of 1963. They went on to raise five children.

As a teenager Maurice worked at the Jefferson Hotel starting as a prep cook and then as a cook on the Chinese side of the restaurant for a short time. He then landed a job at Waterville Auto Painters prepping vehicles; when that closed, he moved on to David Mathieu Co. training to be an auto body tech. In the Spring of 1966, Maurice went to work for Keyes Fibre Co. In August of 1967, Maurice decided to pursue his own business opening “Maurice’s Auto Body Shop” in Fairfield. Later his wife Barbara joined him in the business as a bookkeeper and office manager.

Maurice served on the School Board at SAD 49 from 1976 to 1982. He also served several years on the advisory committee for Mid Maine Technical Center. He also was chairman of the maintenance committee at Lake Henry Estates in Florida.

After 31 years in the business Maurice and Barbara in September 1998, retired turning the business over to their son, Michael, which is now Maurice and Son Auto Body. Maurice and Barbara then spent their winters at Lake Henry Estates in Haines City, Florida for 20 years where they enjoyed bus trips to Branson, MO and a cruise to St. Martin, St. Lucia, and St. Kit.

Maurice was known for his love to help others. He enjoyed auto body, but carpentry/woodworking was his passion. He spent many hours working on projects for family and friends. Maurice will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help others.

He also enjoyed working with his dear friend, Gary Hammond, operating heavy equipment and earthwork projects just for fun.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alcide and Cecile Bard; his brothers, Bertrand Bard and Rosaire “Shoe” Bard; his daughter, Mary Bard; and his in-laws, Oscar, and Rita Rowe.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of 58 years; his children, Marcia and husband Jeff Hubert, Melissa and husband Richard Boissonneault, Matthew and wife Corrine Bard, and Michael and wife Michelle Bard; his grandchildren, Cameron and wife Brittney Smith, Dylan and wife Desiree Smith, Derrick Smith, Bradley and wife Jessica Hubert, Benjamin and wife Jordon Hubert, Brittany Hubert and fiancée Garret Burns, Amber Bard and fiancée Steve Thompson, Trevor Boissonneault, Tyler, Teya, and Trey Bard, Marissa Barnett, and Emily and husband Nick St. Amand; his great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Bennett Hubert, Keegan Church, Aviana Boissonneault, Brayden and Colton Thompson, Aria Barnett, and Lily and Blake St. Armand; his siblings, Rosalind Joseph, Leland Bard, Bernett Harvey, Ronald Bard, Peter Bard, Lorraine Belliveau, Valier Bard, Claudette Rancourt, and Elaine LaChance; his sister in-law, Jill Bard; and many nieces and nephews.

We would also like to offer a special thanks to our dear friend, Ken Quirion.

A special thank you to the nursing staff at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care and a big Thank you to Dr. Polkinghorn and Jessica Douin, NP-C, for their good care and compassion.

A special thanks to Maine General Home Health and Hospice, especially Marcia, Dawn, and Michelle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Maine General HACCC

P.O. Box 828

Waterville, ME 04903 or:

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area

304 Main Street

Waterville, ME 04901 or:

Interfaith Food Pantry

23 Lawrence Avenue

Fairfield, ME 04937