Roger Dean Bechard

Roger was born in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho on May 22, 1936 to George L. and Mildred G. (Alderson) Bechard. The family moved to Spokane, WA where Roger grew up. He graduated from West Valley HS in 1954. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and served 3 years. When he was discharged he enrolled at EWSU; then transferred to the UW in Seattle. There he met his wife Laura Columbo. They were married June 18, 1959 and celebrated 62 years this past summer. They were blessed with two children. After graduation Roger began working for Boeing in Seattle. Soon after he began working for IBM and the family moved to Clear Lake City, TX where he worked with NASA on the space program. Several moves later brought him to Boulder, CO in 1986. He retired from IBM after 30 years, but continued working for Loral and Lockheed before finally hanging up his programming hat in 1994.

After retirement he volunteered for Boulder County Open Space and CO Division of Wildlife. He loved the outdoors and local wildlife. He and Laura hiked many trails enjoying natures bounty.

Roger is survived by his wife Laura; daughter, Lisa (Jim) Bechard- Fadenrecht, Longmont, CO and son John(Susan) Bechard, Draper UT; Grandchildren, Rachel (Babak) Shahrivar, San Jose CA, Drew (Elycia) Bechard, Draper, UT, Sara Bechard, Boulder, CO and Haley Bechard, Jupiter, FL; 3 Great -grand children, Layla, Henry and Nora; two sisters, Suzanne (Steve) Luther, La Center, WA and Nanette (Jim) Cowan, Veradale, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Vernon.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to TRU Community Care (https://www.trucare.org) or a favorite charity.

No services will be held at this time. A family gathering will take place at a later date.

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