Van Buren--- Gerald L. Bard, 94, peacefully entered into Eternal Life and into the waiting arms of his late wife on August 15, 2024, at Aroostook House of Comfort. He was born May 9, 1930 in Van Buren, a son of the late Alphy and Ella (Bouchard) Bard.

Gerald was a US Army veteran of the Korean War and was a life member of the American Legion, Post #49, Van Buren. A dedicated parishioner of St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, he was a longtime 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Gerald was a clerk and manager for Maine State Liquor Stores for almost 30 years, covering locations in Van Buren, Madawaska, Limestone and Caribou. He was also a former Van Buren policeman and worked as a barber, electrician and projectionist for the local movie theaters.

He is survived by three children, Alan Bard of Van Buren, Ryan Bard and his wife Mary of Sidney, and Karen LeBlond and her husband Gilles of Grand Falls, NB; three siblings, Geraldine Amari of New York, Clayton Bard of Florida, and Jacqueline Caldare and her husband Michael of California; five grandchildren, Samuel, Gilliann, Sylvie, Julia, and Gregory; four great grandchildren, Oliver, Elise, Kaleb and Lydia; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Gerald was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Fernande Desjardins, a grandson, Alain LeBlond, seven siblings, Lawrence, Louis, George-Emile, Camille, Gilbert Bard, Doris Duplessis, and Augustine Ouellette

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, August 23, 2024, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Friday morning 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter 383 US Route One, Suite 2C Scarborough, ME 04074.