Bertrand David Paré passed away at his home on Wednesday October 17, 2018 with is loving wife by his side. Bert was born on November 20, 1947 in Lewiston, Maine to Aldege and Aldea (Lagrange) Paré. Bert graduated from Lewiston High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Air Force later that year. He proudly served his country both stateside and in Vietnam during this time. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and a very proud recipient of his Medal for Meritorious Service. After serving his country, he returned home to Lewiston and married the love of his life Louise (Mutty) Paré. He was employed by General Electric until June 1974 when he was riding his motorcycle to work and was hit by a drunk driver. He spent the next 2 months in the hospital where his surgeon told him he would be disabled for the rest of his life. Bert disagreed. A short time later, he received a call from the State of Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Department asking him if he wanted assistance getting back to work. He had a few options to choose from and ultimately decided on printing. In 1975, he opened his own business, Red Horse Printing (named after his Air Force Squadron) until he closed up shop in 2002. Bert went on to be a custodian at different schools and Union President in Lewiston and Sabattus until his retirement in 2013. After retiring, Bert volunteered weekly at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. Bert had 2 children, Christina and Joseph. He did everything for his children. He was involved in many of his children’s activities. During the 1980s-1990s, Bert was a leader for Holy Cross Cub Scout Pack 116 and President of South Lewiston Little League. He coached baseball and softball for many years at SLLL and eventually went on to coach softball for the St. Dom’s High School JV team. He loved coaching and getting his teams excited for the game. His love of softball and baseball were contagious. When his team took the field, he would often yell, “Three up!” to which the fielders would respond, “Three down!” Bert had a passion for bass fishing which he passed along to his son, son-in-law, and grandson and would often take them fishing in his boat along with his beloved dog, Trixie. Trixie loved boat rides. He also enjoyed gardening and most of all the Boston Red Sox. The day the Red Sox won the World Series on October 27, 2004, was one of the happiest days of his life. It also happened to be his 31st wedding anniversary. Bert was not a big talker, but he had a heart of gold. He was very witty and had a very dry sense of humor. No subject was off limits when it came to conversations with him. Proof of this lives on in his Facebook posts. Bert is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Louise, a daughter Christina, her husband Brian Caine and their son Sebastian of Lewiston, a son Joseph Paré, his wife Jenn (Rose) and their daughter, Gwenneth of Sabattus, a sister Ann and her husband John McArthur and their daughter Brenda, two brother in laws, John R. Mutty and his daughter Kira and Thomas M. Mutty. He was predeceased by his mother and father, a sister Nancy Paré Duchesneau and 2 brothers that passed at birth. Bert would have wanted us all to continue laughing and working towards helping others. A memorial visitation will be celebrated on Wednesday Oct. 24 from 4-7 PM at The Fortin Group in Auburn. On line condolences can be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements are under the care of the Fortin group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn. 783-8545.
