Denis Bechard Jr.

HALLOWELL – Denis Bechard, Jr. earned his wings on May 15, 2026, at the Woodlands Senior Living Facility in Hallowell with his family by his side. He was born on August 8, 1936, in Bar Harbor, Maine to Denis and Virginia (Stanwood) Bechard. He was also known as Dad, Uncle Denis, Mr. Bechard, Coach Bechard, Denny, Denis the Menace, and the kids from the school would remember him as Zazupit or “Do you know Bob Hope, I am his brother no hope”.

Denis grew up in Augusta and graduated from Cony High School. After graduation he went right to work at the Edwards Mill with his father. He worked at the mill for 25 years before it closed. Denis moved to Hallowell in 1968 after marrying the mother of his four kids, Alca Clark Bechard. His passion was playing pool, so they worked hard to open a pool hall in Hallowell in the 80’s called Granite City Amusements. He took pride in the reputation of his business. When someone would go to the pool hall and try to hustle the regulars, Denis would challenge them to one game and if he won, they would have to leave- let’s just say he didn’t lose very much.

After the pool hall closed, Denis probably took his perfect job, a custodian in the Hall-Dale School System. He loved being around the kids; you could find him getting the kids wound up more than you would see him working. The kids have always said they could count on Mr. Bechard to make them laugh and brighten their day with a piece of candy.

Denis was a devoted father in that he would coach all the boys in little league, Babe Ruth and even coached at the Legion level. He was married to someone who may have been more compassionate in coaching, so he had to be the “helper” with his daughter Michelle’s sports. He was the fun coach and would never show any kids up in front of their peers. He was also known to bribe kids for hits or wins with an ice cream or a pizza from Dam-Whip.

Denis was a lifetime member of Le Club Calumet where he found his passion again with playing pool every day at noon. He was an active member of the Hall-Dale Boosters for the 12 years his kids were in the High School system.

Near or far, Denis always seemed to know someone wherever he went.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 29 years, Alca; his sister, Harriet Shufeldt; and his girlfriend of over 20 years, Alvine Creamer.

Denis is survived by his four children: his sons Corey and his wife Heidi Bechard of Winthrop, Stephen and wife Patti Bechard of Sherman, Michael and his wife Karen Bechard of Pittston, and his daughter Michelle and her husband June Hoover of Concord, NC; five grandchildren, Pearl, Ahmik, Celina, Maggie and Kaylee and husband Andrew; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 22 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330 where a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. The family is requesting officers and members of Le Club Calumet to meet and recite prayers for their departed member at 12 noon. A private burial will follow at Hallowell Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers,

Denis requested for donations to be gifted to:

Hall-Dale Athletics Boosters

PO Box 385

Hallowell, ME 04347