Gerard Joseph Bernier

Gerard J. Bernier, 90, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Gerard was born in Sanford on October 8, 1932, one of eleven children born to Eugene and Graziella (Laitres) Bernier. He grew up in Sanford receiving his education from the local Catholic schools. He went on to serve his country with pride in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Gerard returned to Sanford and began working on the family farm. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Rita Lachance, and together they raised six children and built a life filled with love, sharing 62 wonderful years of marriage until Rita's passing in 2019. Gerard was a diligent and hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. Over the years, he owned and operated an excavation company, raised chickens, and in 1986, he and Rita established Apache Campground in Sanford, which they owned and operated for the remainder of their lives. A devout Catholic, Gerard was an active member of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and held the honor of being a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and most importantly, spending time with his cherished family and friends. Gerard had a passion for raising cattle and attending equipment auctions. He will be remembered as a kind and loving father, a true family man who touched the lives of those around him. He was dedicated and loving family man who worked tirelessly to care for those he loved. His kindness, devotion, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Gerard is predeceased by his beloved wife, Rita Bernier, as well as two children, Michael Bernier and Gisele MacDonald. He is also preceded in death by seven siblings: Lucy Leighton, Leo Bernier, Arlene Letourneau, Rita Bernier, Maurice Bernier, Jeanne d’Arc Boivin, and Yvonne Batakis. He leaves behind a loving legacy and is survived by his four children: Denise Houle and her husband David of Sanford, Annette Castonguay and her husband Thomas of Sanford, Claire Webb and her husband Stephen of Sanford, and Richard Bernier of Sanford. Gerard is also survived by his 12 grandchildren: Erica Murphy and her husband Ryan, Trever MacDonald and his wife Liz, Nicholas Houle and his wife Laura, Amy Rivard, Michelle Jones and her husband Cameron, Trina Rivard and her companion Alex Smith, David Castonguay, Shauna Castonguay, Cory Webb and his wife Devyn, Stephanie Webb, Holly Webb, and Braeden Webb. He will also be deeply missed by his girlfriend, Cecile Guillemette of Lyman, as well as his three siblings: Priscilla Williams, Teresa Gagnon, and Leona Merrow and her husband Amos; his son-in-law, Brad MacDonald; his sister-in-law, Theresa Bernier, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held form 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31st at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 1st at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.