Andrew Giard Sr.

ANDREW GIARD, Sr. WEST PALM BEACH Andrew "Andy" Giard, Sr. died peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, in West Palm Beach, FL at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Hormidas Giard and Rose Flagg and husband of the late Evelyn June Giard. He is survived by both of his sons, Andrew and Peter; as well as four grandchildren, Troy, Shawn, Conor and Aaron; three great-grandchildren, Brooke, Taylor and Kyle; also daughter in law, Linda Giard; nieces, Vivian Murphy, Patricia Saunders, Betty Phelps and Sandra DiBurro; nephew, Buddy Girard; and cousin, Pearl Yanni. Andy Giard, Sr. was born December 4, 1919 in Haverhill, MA and lived in South Paris, ME, Amesbury and Merrimac, MA while working at Western Electric for 35 years, before retiring to Barefoot Bay, FL in 1979. At the age of 21, in 1941, three weeks before his planned wedding date, he was struck by polio, completely paralyzing him. He was placed in an iron lung for 4 months and was hospitalized for over a year, subsequently the doctors told him that he would never walk again. In 1944, however, the wedding to his wife finally happened and the self-proclaimed "stubborn Frenchman" walked independently down the aisle to meet his bride. The years that followed were full of all of lifes expected events but were always tempered by the struggle to live with post-polio syndrome. Andys resilience and zest for life had him greeting these challenges with a fervor that amazed and impressed all who knew him, as he left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He led an active life despite the day to day challenges he faced. He was always the life of the party when friends were gathered for good times, often entertaining others as a member of several Barber Shop Choruss over the years. He will be remembered for living a long and full life as a man of strong constitution and determination who reveled in the good times shared with everyone whose lives he touched. Donations in Andys name can be made to help the effort to eradicate Polio worldwide. Checks may be sent to: WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 20 Avenue Appia , Geneva 27, 1211 Switzerland.