John Joseph Menard

March 8, 1932 – August 26, 2025

John Joseph Riel “Ray” Menard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and proud United States Marine, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 at the age of 93.

John was born on March 8, 1932, in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, to Jean “John” Menard and Ruby Pedneault. He was one of 13 children blessed with nine sisters and three brothers. His early years were spent in Noelville, Ontario, Canada, where he worked for the local butcher while his brothers pursued other trades. During his youth, the family relocated to Windsor, Ontario, and later John moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked first as a custodian and then as a hotel bellboy.

At age 20, John proudly entered the United States Marine Corps after being drafted in 1952. He completed boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and served honorably during the Korean War in 1953.

In 1957, while stationed in South Carolina, John returned home to Michigan on leave and met the love of his life, Bertha “Bert” Richard, at a French Club in Detroit. After just three dates, he asked her to marry him. They wed on August 23, 1958, and shared more than six decades of devotion, raising three children together: Catherine, John, and Renee.

In August 1965, John was deployed to Vietnam, where he was seriously wounded in Operation Starlite. He was transferred to Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Despite his wounds, John continued to serve with distinction until his retirement from active duty in 1972. Following his military service, John began a second career as a computer technician with the Naval Ocean Systems Center at Ballast Point, Point Loma, California. He worked for the Department of Defense until his retirement in 1992.

John and Bert settled in Clairemont, where they belonged to Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church and were deeply involved in the church. John was part of the Knights of Columbus which was founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. John and Bert enjoyed volunteering, church gatherings, and participating in mass.

In retirement, John and Bert embraced life on the road, traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their motorhome. Above all, John cherished time with his family, especially his four grandchildren: Monique, Celine, Rachel, and Ryan.

John is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bertha 'Bert' Menard. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Catherine (Thomas) Badali of Prescott Valley, AZ; John Menard of Benton, TX; and Renee Menard of San Diego, CA. John was a proud grandfather to Monique Menard of Glendale, AZ; Celine Menard of Pine Valley, CA; Rachel Ruff of Troutdale, OR; and Ryan Ruff of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by his dear sisters: Louise Lenzetta of Dearborn, MI; Denise Michaels of Dearborn Heights, MI; and Muriel Honore of Shreveport, LA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John will be remembered for his strength, dedication, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of service, perseverance, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Military Honors

John served his country with courage and distinction during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during Operation Starlite in Vietnam. His proud service in the United States Marine Corps was a defining part of his life, and he remained a Marine in spirit long after his years of active duty. Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

Memorial Service

Friday, September 26, 2025

11:00AM Service at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church, 3131 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

12:00-2:30 Reception at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church Hall

3:00-3:30PM Committal Service-Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s memory to Honor Flight San Diego, an organization dedicated to honoring veterans with trips to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. John was fortunate to participate in the Honor Flight in 2019 with his grandson. Honor Flight San Diego, PO Box 181309, Coronado, California 92178 or https://www.honorflightsandiego.org/support-hfsd/ (include “Memory of John Menard” in memo of check or “Add special instruction to seller” for credit card.)