John A. Bouchard ’44

OLD TOWN – John A. Bouchard, 90, a loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on April 19, following a long illness. He was born in Old Town on May 18, 1924, the youngest child of John B. and Henedine (St. Pierre) Bouchard.

John graduated from Old Town High School and was a proud graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, class of 1944, with a concentration in marine engineering. After graduating from MMA, he was commissioned into the U.S. Merchant Marines, serving in the Pacific during the final years of World War II. He spent an additional 20 years as a Lt. j.g. in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and honorably discharged in 1964. We will remember John as a very kind, gentle and patient man who was supportive and encouraging to his family, friends and colleagues. A good day for John included spending time with his family, enjoying a meal that he prepared for them, and playing cribbage with his kids. He loved telling stories about growing up on “French Island” in Old Town, as he was very proud of his Franco-American heritage. He also took a great deal of pride in his role as the “camp cook” at the hunting camp in Howe Brook where he enjoyed the company of his brothers-in-law. He took up golf again in retirement and enjoyed his time spent at the Hidden Meadows Golf Course in Old Town. He loved spending summers with his family at the camp on Pushaw Lake and took pleasure in his many winters in Naples, Florida. John spent nearly all of his working life as an insurance adjuster, most of which being with Maine Bonding and Casualty Company as the branch manager of the Bangor office. He loved his work, the people that he worked with in the Bangor office, and the many acquaintances that he made during his career. His life included service to his community as a member of the Old Town City Council with one term as council president. He was also a member of the Old Town Housing Authority, serving a term as vice-chairman. John’s Catholic faith was very important to him and he served his church as a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish Council. He was a life member of the Elks Club in Old Town where, at age 27, he became one of the youngest exalted rulers in the club’s history. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eunice (Dufour) of Old Town, who lovingly cared for him during his extended illness in the home that he built. He is also survived by his children Paul, along with his wife Jane of Old Town and his daughter, Mary Anne Hesseltine of Winterport; his grandchildren Luke, Hillary and Matthew Bouchard; and Adam, Barry and Sarah Jane Hesseltine; his great grandchildren, Mikayla, Kendal Anne and Amelia, the children of Barry and his wife, Sarah; and Hunter and Killian, the sons of Adam and his wife, Randi. The family will be forever grateful to John’s neighbors in Old Town, Patrick and Diane Swandel, and to his neighbors at Pushaw Lake, Tom and Lisa Shirley, for their caring support during difficult times. Finally, the loving and professional care of both Eastern Maine Hospice and the Arbor Unit staff at Dirigo Pines will never be forgotten by his family. John was predeceased by his parents; his four brothers, Matthew, Emmanuel, Benoit, and Roderick; and his three sisters, Evangeline, Regina and Olivia.

In honoring John’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Old Town with his good friends, the Rev. Raymond Picard and Rev. Rudolph Leveille, concelebrating the Mass. Friends and family are invited to share in conversation and refreshments following Mass in the parish hall. Gifts in John’s memory may be made to Hospice of Eastern Maine, c/o EMHS Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.

Published in BDN Maine from Apr. 20 to Apr. 22, 2015