CHELSEA – Ronald L. Bechard, 81, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Augusta, on Nov. 11, 1940, a son of the late Roger “Peanut” F. and Juliette E. (St. Pierre) Bechard.

Ron was a graduate of Cony High School and furthered his education in the plumbing trade. A U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1958 -1961 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Ron had been employed at the VA Hospital at Togus for over 25 years and had previously worked for Pullen Brothers.

He was a communicant of St. Michael’s Parish and a member of the Le Club Calumet. Ron served as the Club’s Treasurer for 15 years, in addition to volunteering for countless events, committees, and whatever else he could do that would help the Club to prosper. The Calumet meant so much to Ron, and he loved spending time there with friends and family. He also served as a Trustee for the Calumet Educational Foundation for 20-plus years.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman his whole life. He loved spending time in nature, whether hunting, fishing, or snowmobiling. He took many trips over the years with friends and family, enjoying those pursuits. His love of animals and the outdoors also prompted Ron to start a taxidermist business, which he ran out of his home for 30-plus years.

Anyone who knew Ron was aware of his love for gardening. Every year he grew a massive vegetable garden, and spent countless hours in the kitchen canning beets and pickles, which he gave away to family and friends. He nurtured many rose bushes, and often brought in a single flower, or small bouquet, to place on his desk at work. He meticulously cared for 25-plus bonsai trees and often brought them to the Windsor Fair to display. His favorite place in the garden, however, was the pumpkin patch. Ron was a giant pumpkin grower, and entered them in various competitions throughout New England. He would then carve and sculpt them, along with various family and friends, for a huge Halloween display every year at his aunt’s home.

Ron was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen (McCormick) Bechard; his parents, and a brother, Roger F. Bechard Jr.

He is survived by his son, Ronald K. Bechard of Augusta; two daughters: Kimberly Webber of Augusta and Erin Bechard of Augusta; a brother, Gerard D. (Pauline) Bechard of Augusta; two sisters: Susan (Jacob) Mosser of North Reading, Mass., and Norma (Richard) Hanson of Middleton, Mass.; three grandchildren: Brandon Webber and his fiancé Sarah Bondarko of Monmouth, Dexter Webber of Augusta, and Patrick Webber of Monmouth; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Following cremation, relatives and friends may visit on Sunday, August 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta where officers and members of Le Club Calumet are asked to meet at 6 p.m., to recite a prayer service for their departed member. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1 Lincoln Ave., Gardiner. Immediately following Mass, burial with military honors will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make donations in Ronald’s memory to: Calumet Educational & Literary Foundation, Ron Cote Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2085, Augusta, ME, 04338-2085.

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