Ronald S. Bedard

GE employee and Westminster resident

WESTMINSTER -- Ronald S. Bedard, 76, died Sunday, April 22, 2012, at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, after a long illness.

Ron leaves his wife of 50 years, Juliette (LeBlanc) Bedard. They married on August 26, 1961. He leaves four children and their spouses, Nancy (Bedard) and Daniel Taylor of Templeton, Peter and Christine Bedard of Barrington, IL, Keith and Karin Bedard of Templeton, and Mark and Melissa Bedard of Amesbury. He also leaves eight grandchildren, Justin, Rachel and Matthew Taylor; Grace and Joshua Bedard, all of Templeton, Edward and Michael Bedard of Barrington, IL, and Evan Bedard of Amesbury; two brothers, Alan Bedard and Barry Bedard, both of Westminster; two sisters, Linda Clark of Marlborough, and Brenda Robillard of Fremont, NH; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is also predeceased by an infant son, Eric G. Bedard.

Ron was born November 25, 1935 in Fitchburg, MA to the late Ernest and Bertha (Duke) Bedard.

Ron served in the US Air Force from 1954-1958. He was stationed in Libya, Kansas, and Alaska. He graduated from Worcester Junior College in 1961 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He worked for GE in Fitchburg as a Mechanical Engineer until his retirement in 1995, and as a consultant for Argo Turboserve until his passing. He was a national expert on single stage turbine engines.

Ron was a past President of the Fitchburg Cable Club during the 1960s. He was active in town politics as a Member of the Westminster's Advisory Board from 1987 -- 2007.

Ron was an avid trout fisherman and enjoyed skiing in his youth. He and Julie traveled to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Florida; and numerous cross country trips. He enjoyed home repair projects and gardening. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family especially his beloved grandchildren. He and Julie celebrated their 50th Anniversary in York, ME with family and friends. He was a true gentleman who made everyone feel special, and was loved by all. Ron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

BEDARD -- Calling hours will be in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main Street Westminster, MA from 4:00 -- 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 25. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 26 at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church Street, Westminster, MA 01473, burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Knower and Ellis Road, Westminster, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the St. Edward the Confessor Church Building Fund, 10 Church Street, Westminster, MA 01473. See www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information.