Madawaska---Harold Philip "Blackie" Gerard, 88, went to be with the Lord on June 21, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Limestone on April 15, 1923, the son of the late Edward and Marie (Bernier) Gerard. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having fought in World War II. Blackie worked at Fraser Paper for 44 years until his retirement in 1985. A lifetime resident of Madawaska, he enjoyed hunting, card games, fishing, golfing, John Wayne movies, and cooking. He is survived by his four children, Jackie and her husband Claude (Pit) Clavette of Madawaska, Eddie Gerard and his wife Lauraine of Florida, Patricia Hodge and her husband George of Connecticut, and Reynold Gerard of Linneus; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; three siblings, Val Gerard, Rochelle Boyer both of California, Geneva (Jennie) Shockland of Florida; many nieces and nephews. Blackie was predeceased by his son, Harold P. Gerard, Jr. (Pete); six siblings, Esther Martin, Adeline Maver, Herman Gerard, Mildred LaCombe, Ronald Gerard, and Rena Mae Fife. A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Dale Nason will be held 2pm on Thursday, June 23 at Lajoie Funeral Home. Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 12pm until time of service on Thursday. Interment will immediately follow the service in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Madawaska.