Alban R Bouchard

Fort Kent – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alban Bouchard, who left us peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 98, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Fort Kent, Maine on June 27, 1927, Alban Bouchard was the son of the late Herbie Bouchard and Aurore (Marquis) Bouchard. He graduated from Fort Kent High School in 1944. Following graduation, he worked alongside his father as a 4th generation farmer until he was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged 8 months later for family hardship reasons due to being the only son of a farming family. U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith was instrumental in this effort. Upon discharge in early 1951, he returned to Fort Kent and married Rita Michaud on November 6, 1951.

He leaves behind six children: Claire Radke and her husband Fred of Falmouth, Maine; Jane Crawford and her husband Craig of Sarasota, Florida; Mary Kelly and her husband Dan of Falmouth, Maine; Anne Torsney of Falmouth, Maine; Elaine Mininger and her husband Mike of Newnan, Georgia; and Joe Bouchard and his wife Janice of Fort Kent, Maine. He will be greatly missed by his eleven grandchildren: Adam, Jonathan, Rebekah, Jill, Patrick, Sam, Cullen, Nicole, Kelsy, Julie, and Philip. He found great joy in his nine great-grandchildren: Josephine, Charlotte, Eleanor, Cooper, Kipp, Milo, Nolan, Emersyn and Jack, as well as many nieces and nephews and a special exchange student Ileana (Bonnie) Armstrong of Baldwinville NH. He is survived by his sister, Beulah Dubois and brother-in-law, Roland Michaud. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters, Jean DesRoberts, Bernice Saucier, and Delores Leonard.

Alban lived a life rooted in hard work, self-reliance and dedication to his family and community. He was a staunch farming advocate, dedicated to securing its future in Maine. He achieved this by organizing farmers and actively lobbying in Augusta and Washington D.C., becoming their respected voice and negotiating fair trade agreements. Beyond his agricultural efforts, Alban served as commander of the American Legion, as well as member of the Fort Kent Town Council and the Knights of Columbus, where he held the honor of 4th degree knight.

Alban loved the outdoors, going fishing and hunting whenever possible. He will be remembered for his elaborate stories, light-hearted razzing and unwavering independence and integrity. Mostly Alban will be remembered for his smile.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 am at St. Louis Church in Fort Kent, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crosswinds Assisted Living Facility Activities Dept.