Gerard Brouillard Obituary (1938 - 2023)

Waterville – In the early morning hours of December 18, 2023, Gerard Edmund Brouillard completed his life’s journey and went home to be with God, family, and loved ones. His absence in the neighborhood will be deeply felt by his friends and neighbors alike. Gerard was born to Armand and Laurette Brouillard on June 18, 1938, in Sanford. As a young boy, he spent his summers working with his grandfather on the family farm to which he credited his work ethic as an adult. His many hours spent outside manicuring the shrubs and lawn were proof of the pride he put into his work. No squirrel, groundhog, or mole were any match for Gerard! It was full out warfare if they dared show their heads above ground. He always won the battle. After Gerard graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford in 1956, he went to work for Genest Concrete Works for several years. During that time, he joined the Army National Guard and served for nearly 3 years. He then joined the military, choosing to go into the United States Airforce. After 9 years of service, he received an honorary discharge. Although Gerry crisscrossed the globe while in the service, having been stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska; Goose Bay, Labrador; and Okinawa to name a few, home was his favorite place of all. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Sanford, where he once again worked for Genest Concrete Works until he took a position at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. He worked for Pratt & Whitney as a machinist specialist lead man for 10 years. After 25 years at Pratt & Whitney, he retired at the age of 52. In 1973, he met his partner Richard Michaud and for nearly 50 years, they made a formidable team until Richard passed away at the age of 72 in 2022. In the early 90’s, they built a beautiful home in Winslow, where Gerard took a great deal of pride in the landscaping and lawns, making them the envy of the neighborhood. Gerard had an uncanny ability to find pleasure in his daily activities and he loved accomplishing outdoor tasks. His neighbors were important to him, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Gerard was predeceased by Richard Michaud, his parents, his sister Jeanne Brouillard, and brother Robert Brouillard. He is survived by his aunt, Claire Brouillard of California, his cousin, Marguerite Herlihy of Sanford, and many cousins in the Genest and Guillemette families. Gerard wanted to thank his many thoughtful and compassionate neighbors who helped out over the past few months. They cleaned the driveway, helped him with computer issues, checked in on him, shared their homemade soup and vanilla ice cream, took him to appointments, and provided him with much appreciated company. As a result of their thoughtfulness, he considered himself blessed. A service will be held at 12:00 pm, January 2, 2024, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A burial will be held in the spring at 1:00 pm, April 23, 2024, at the St. Ignatius Cemetery, on Berwick Road in Sanford.