BIDDEFORD – Raoul M. Girard, born on July 26, 1928, in Biddeford, to Emile and Delvina (Caron) Girard, passed away on Oct. 20, 2023.

He was married to Magella Morissette on May 6,1950, at St. Andre’s Church; this year celebrating 73 years of marriage.

Raoul was a dedicated member of Good Shepherd Parish and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an advocate for education and completed his high school equivalency while working and supporting a family. He found great joy in the outdoors, particularly through hiking, with one of his remarkable achievements being the climb of Mt. Washington at the age of 80. He also cherished activities such as photography, skiing, snowmobiling, and cutting firewood. He dedicated over 40 years to the laborious task of splitting firewood by hand, “just for the exercise,” as he would say!

Raoul’s greatest happiness came from spending time with his grandchildren, delighting them as Santa during Christmas gatherings over the years. In his later years, he enjoyed eating out with his wife and meeting with his buddies for Thursday breakfasts and lively conversation! In his youth, Raoul worked on the family farm. Over the years, he held various positions, working for 14 years at Saco Lowell, five years at Portland Copper, 15 years at Components, and 12 years at Pratt & Whitney, eventually retiring in 1992. In 1953-1954, he undertook the remarkable task of building his own home across the street from his birth home. Here, he and Magella lived for 70 years.

Raoul was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Delvina, as well as several siblings and their spouses: brother Fernand Girard and his wife Doris, brother Robert Girard and his wife Gloria, sister-in-law Elaine Girard, sister Therese Chevrette and her husband Lucien, sister Juliette Lonsdale and her husband Robert, sister Germaine Lacourse and her husband Sylvio, and brother-in-law Gerard Vigneault.

He is survived by Magella, his loving wife of 73 years, his daughter Lise Dunn and her husband Paul of North Yarmouth, his daughter Cecile Dumont and her husband Richard of East Parsonfield, his son Rene Girard and wife Cathy of Lyman, his son Maurice Girard of North Berwick, his brother Raymond Girard of Biddeford, his sister Doris Vigneault of Moscow, five grandchildren: Derrick, Jennifer, Joel, Ian and Joshua, three great-grandchildren: Siena, Lucille, and Samuel and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staffs at the Southern Maine Health Care hospital and facilities, at Seal Rock long-term care facility, at Compassus Hospice, at Kennebunk Center for Health & Rehabilitation, at Compassionate Home Care by Jen, the Medicare home-care team, and the Biddeford EMT for their compassionate and skilled care of our father during his last year.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford.  A burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005.

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