Peter W. Bouchard

Peter William Bouchard, 70, of Okeechobee, Florida passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2025, following an automobile accident.

Born on September 11, 1955, he was the beloved eldest son of William L. Bouchard and the late Priscilla Bouchard.

A proud graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1975, Peter played football as a tight end and kicker for the Whalers. Following graduation, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy, an experience that helped shape his lifelong dedication, discipline, and sense of purpose. Peter was a bodyguard including, but not limited to Muhmmad Ali and the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Peter continued to pursue learning throughout his life, studying General Contractor/Board Drafting at Miami Dade College (Class of 1979), AutoCAD Drafting at Broward College (Class of 1988), and Civil Engineering and Surveying at Pensacola State College (Class of 2014). His career reflected his deep commitment to precision, problem-solving, and innovation.

Over the years, Peter worked in a variety of technical and engineering roles, including Senior Civil Designer for Hatch Mott MacDonald, Designer/Drafter for Southern Nuclear, and more recently as an OSP Designer and Permitting Specialist at Byers Engineering Company. His work contributed to vital infrastructure and community development projects across Florida and beyond, earning him the respect of colleagues who valued his expertise and work ethic.

Outside of his professional life, Peter lived boldly and with passion. He loved riding his motorcycle. A lifelong strongman and powerlifter, he once ranked 56th in the nation for deadlift and proudly competed in numerous strength contests, earning many first-place finishes in both bench press and deadlift categories. One of his most memorable accomplishments was winning a contest pulling a FedEx aircraft-a feat that exemplified his strength, determination, and sense of fun.

Peter was also a passionate coach and father, giving his time and energy to help young athletes grow. He coached his son, Tristen, in soccer and basketball at the Community Life Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and in football for teams in Tiger Point and Navarre. His leadership, patience, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on every child he coached, teaching them not only about sports but also about teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Peter also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and once helped raise wolves at a sanctuary in Georgia. He lived life with a fearless spirit-cliff diving, exploring the outdoors, and embracing every challenge and joy with enthusiasm.

Peter also found beauty and peace behind the lens of a camera. His love of photography and film reflected his deep appreciation for the world around him-the way light touched a landscape or the quiet majesty of the outdoors. Through his photos, Peter captured the beauty of the natural world.

Above all, Peter was devoted to his family. He showed them that living fully isn't about having more, but loving deeper. His passion was a constant force and its warmth lives on in the lives he touched.

He is survived by his son, Tristen Bouchard, and fiance Elizabeth Jeans and their daughter Lily Bouchard of Southaven, Mississippi; his daughter, Natashia Farley, and husband Brian of Vermont. He is also survived by his father William Bouchard of Dartmouth; his brother, Bruce Bouchard of New Bedford; niece, Jessica Pratt and her husband, Daniel Pratt, and their children, Cora and Cooper; nephew, Brandon Bouchard and his wife, Regina Bouchard, and their son Benjamin; and nephew, Brad Bouchard.

Peter will be remembered for his courage, kindness, humor, and unwavering zest for life. His presence made every gathering brighter and every challenge lighter. He lived by the words he often shared:

"Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, laugh uncontrollably, never regret anything that made you smile."

His visitation will be held on Wednesday November 26th from 1-3 PM with a memorial service beginning at 2:30 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.