Gerard A. Marchand

WESTFORD -- Gerard A. Marchand, 78, a longtime Westford resident who had headed his family oil business for many years, died Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, Texas.

He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth Marilyn (Morris) Marchand.

He was born on Jan. 26, 1928, in Chelmsford, son of the late Edward A. and Roseanna (Rondeau) Marchand.

Mr. Marchand dedicated his early working years to the family business, Marchand Oil Company, Inc., of which he served as president for many years. His worked with a local construction company until his retirement.

After retiring, he enjoyed the family camp in Maine, and wintering in Florida, and most recently, time spent with his family in Texas.

He was also a founding member of the Chelmsford Elks.

He took great joy in playing with his grandchildren, and also enjoyed hobbies of carpentry, oil and acrylic painting, building model boats, country music and his love of horses.

Besides his wife, he is survived by their four children, David E. Marchand of Westford, Donna L. Szopa and her husband, Daniel, of Eliot, Maine, Dennis G. Marchand of Westford, Darlene M. Conrad and her husband Mark, of Little Elm, Texas; six grandchildren, Gregory Marchand, Brent Marchand, Jeffrey Szopa, Jenna Szopa, Jacob Conrad and Ashley Conrad, a brother, Robert Marchand; and many nieces, nephews and friends.