Ronald B. Rivard

Ronald Rivard of Shapleigh, Maine made the last steps on his life’s journey on February 15, 2025.  He died peacefully in his sleep after 89 years that included 67 years he shared with his beloved wife Rita. 

Born in Sanford, Maine to the late Henri and Laura Rivard, he was the youngest of 13 children growing up on the family farm in Springvale, Maine.  Although Ron was a lifelong learner, he finished his formal education at the eighth grade so he could help on the family farm where he learned many practical things he would use and share freely throughout his life.  As a teenager, he left Sanford to serve on the USS Ticonderoga during the Korean War and then spent over thirty years driving big rigs around New England.  He officially retired at age 55 so he could devote time to supporting his church, community and causes he cared about like honoring our US veterans.   During his trucking career he had made a routine package delivery to the Bethel Christian Church in North Bewick that changed the course of his life.  While making his delivery he happened to read their mission statement.  When he came home that night, he told Rita “We’re going here”, and immediately found his calling.  Once he retired, he began helping with their Christmas project and food drives, which was a source of great joy to him for over 30 years.  He and Rita loved the outdoors and in retirement they logged thousands of miles hiking and camping.  Their adventures included completing the Application Trail three times and scaling Mt. Washington countless times and, in every season, including last year, at 89 years old.

Ron is predeceased by 10 of his siblings.  He is survived by his wife Rita, and their children; James Rivard and his wife Gail of Sanford, Carolyn Roberts and her husband John Roberts of Abaco Bahamas, David Rivard and his wife Diane of Wells, Andrew Rivard and his wife Katy of Acton, and Francis Rivard and his wife Lindsay of Sanford; grandchildren, Kelly Hadiaris, Angela Contreras, Sarah Rivard, Trevor Rivard, Cassidy Rivard, Belinda Rivard and great-grandchildren Sophia and Alexander Contreras.  He is also survived by the twin sisters Mary Ann Theriault and her husband Leland of Sanford and Mary Jane Brochu of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

A time of visitation will be held on March 15th at 10:00am followed by military honors and a memorial service at 11:00 at the Bethel Christian Church, 129 Lower Main Street, North Berwick, ME.  Interment will be in the spring at Highland Grove Cemetery in North Shapleigh, ME.

In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation to the Maine Veterans Homes at https://mainevets.org/ways-to-give/.

Condolences may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhomeME.com

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