Obituary of Gerard Bechard

Bechard: Joseph Gerard-

A resident of Chatham, Gerard Bechard passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Chatham Campus on March 28, 2024 at the age of 87.

Born in Chatham, Gerard was the son of the late Henry and Velina (née Myers ) Bechard and son-in-law of the late Harold B. and Pearl (née Rumble) Smith.

Beloved husband of 64 years to Margo (née Smith).

Dear father to Douglas Bechard, Allan Bechard and Kevin Wise.

Dear brother to Jeannette Owen (late Norman), Norbert Bechard (Noreen); sister-in-law Zuzanna Bechard (late twin brother Jerome Bechard).

Predeceased by his brother Vern Bechard (late Mary Lou), Ivan Bechard (late Dora), Beverley Crow (late Robert). Predeceased by his sister-in-laws Jean Bechard and Shirley Bechard.

Brother-in-law to John Smith (Phyllis). Predeceased by Wayne Smith (late Rose), Don Smith (late Annie), Donna Ouellette (late Maurice), Harland Smith (late Kay) and Leroy Smith. Gerard will be also be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews and reunited with his fur baby Katie.

Gerard was a retired employee of Navistar. As a retiree he enjoyed giving French tours at Navistar and working at Loebs Nortown. He will forever be remembered by his family for his love of camping, fishing and gardening. He was a proud Detroit Tigers and Montreal Canadians fan.

Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 180 Wellington St W, Chatham on Saturday, April 6, 2024 for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection to be held at 12:00 p.m. Cremation to follow with interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Gerard to the LSW Prostate Cancer Support Group or the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040