Richard "Rick" Benjamin Bouchard
1948-2023
Richard Benjamin Bouchard, 74, of Weldon, New Brunswick, passed away peacefully at his home on October 13th, 2023 with his loving wife and sons by his side. Rick was born in Montreal the son of the late Gaston and Nora (Lamb). He will be deeply missed by his wife–childhood sweetheart, and best friend–Gale; sons, Jeremy, Tim, Matthew, Justin, Darren, and Ben; dearest daughter in law Colleen (Pynn); cherished grandchildren, Benjamin and Jonah; sister, Dale Montigny (Richard); and sister in law Janet Cripps (Lunan). He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Dad was an unassuming renaissance man and probably one of the kindest, humblest men you could ever hope to meet. He cherished his wife Gale, "Sweetie," as he fondly called her, and loved nothing better than to tease her, just to get her riled up. He would tell her that that was how he knew she still loved him. His tactics surely must have worked as one month ago they went on a date to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Married life began with a lot of hopes and dreams. Starting a family was at the top of the list and six baby boys soon followed. Dad always wanted to improve himself, so after a successful career at Ayerst Laboratories in Montreal, Dad moved the family to Moncton, New Brunswick to study law at L’Université de Moncton. Upon graduation, he was offered a position as a Professor in the Faculty of Law. He taught there for 30 years and is fondly remembered by many students and colleagues. Pitou and Marteau, two cartoon characters Dad created and whose criminal antics appeared on the students' exams throughout the duration of a 30 year career still live in the hearts of his students.
With Dad’s curiosity of life, he developed a multitude of talents. He was well versed in politics, had a keen interest in history, was a successful businessman, and loved learning new languages and cultures from around the world. His mom, who sang arias, instilled in him a deep love of music which was passed on to his children. One of his best but lesser known talents was his rendition of "Inky Dinky Spider," complete with actions, first for his own sons and then for his beloved grandsons, Benjamin and Jonah.
Dad appreciated beauty wherever he could find it and often wanted to emulate the beauty he saw. He taught himself to paint. In particular, Dad liked old barns and churches and would often paint the windows and doorways of the ones he visited both at home and abroad.
Dad could also build anything, and not long ago designed and constructed, all by himself, a beautiful one and a half story, 2000 square ft. barn. Appreciated by his family as a monument to his character and proof that each of us with vision and tenacity are capable of raising our own dreams from the ground up.
Dad was a man of genuine integrity and true kindness. We know that he has touched many, but none more than his family. He loved us with everything, and we will continue to love and remember him with the unwavering force of love he gave to each of us.
The family will be receiving relatives and friends at the Albert County Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 from 2-4 pm and from 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday October 19th, 2023 at 1 pm. A private family interment will be held at the Grey's Island Cemetery, Hillsborough, NB.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many paramedics, nurses, and doctors for their kind and compassionate care throughout Dad’s illness, and to all those who have donated blood. Thank you, this gave us more time to spend with our dad. The kindness and generosity we have been shown will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you support your local Red Cross by donating blood if you wish.
Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB E4H-3K2 (506)-734-2780