Obituary of Irenee R. Bechard

Irenee 'Rene' R. Bechard, 83, of 595 Rapids Road, Champlain passed away on June 14th. Rene was born on October 23, 1932 in Champlain NY to Ernest and Martha (Lefebvre) Bechard. He graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1951. He married the love of his life, Bernadette Patenaude, on October 19, 1957. They have been married for 58 wonderful, loving years. Since he was 16 years old he ran the farm for his father and then founded Bechard's Farm Equipment in 1959 and the business continues to date. Rene found great pride in his work, his family, and always appreciated all his customers. He enjoyed his Sunday rides and family gatherings. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette and his four children: Susan (Kevin) McDonald, Michael E. (Karen) Bechard, Mark E. (Laura) Bechard and Diane (Joseph) Ashline, all from Champlain. Rene was surrounded by 10 Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren and one on the way, along with 2 Step-Great-Grandchildren. Grandchildren include Ryan, Sara & Jonathan McDonald, Tyler (Jessica) Bechard, Magan Bechard and fiancé Clinton McCool and Malinda Bechard, Eric (Nicole) Bechard, Kassandra (Dustin) Beauregard and Jessica Ashline. Great Grandchildren include Ava, Jayden & Hadley Bechard, Landen Bechard, Irelyn & Killian McCool, and Jack & Luke Beauregard. Visits from his little ones would always brighten his day!! His living siblings include Marielle Sienkiewicz, Carmen Upson and Aurianne (Gordon) Miller. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that he cherished and enjoyed their visits. He is predeceased by his parents, his grandson Jason Bechard, his sisters and brother-in-laws: Marquise & Paul Bender, Alexander Sienkiewicz, Monica & Jack McNerney, and Harry Upson. Also at a young age he lost his brother Gerald and twin sister, Veronica. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to all who visited and surrounded him with love and support. Also appreciation is extended to all the medical staff at The University of Vermont Medical Center that assisted Rene in his final days along with his personal physician, Dr. Kevin McCullum and his staff. Calling hours will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, June 17, 2016 at M.B. Clark Funeral Home, 196 Elm Street, Champlain NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at St. Mary's Church, 86 Church Street, Champlain with Rev. Clyde A. Lewis, pastor, celebrating the mass. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery on Church Street in Champlain. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Alzheimers Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany NY 12205 in memory of Rene. To light a candle and to share a thought or memory please visit the obituary online at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.