Bertrand Plourde

Bertrand Plourde of Scituate and Woburn was born on November 19th, 1945 and passed peacefully on July 4th, 2023 after a brief illness. Husband of Sharon Plourde of Scituate and Marshfield, Father of Kimberly Deeney of Marshfield and predeceased by his son Kevin Plourde of Scituate. Bertrand was known as Grampy to Camden and Emily Deeney of Marshfield and Ben, Abby and Jake Plourde of Plymouth.

Bertrand was born in Lewiston, Maine to Adolphe and Simone Plourde. While he was younger he worked as a Carpenter alongside his father. Bertrand then moved to Boston where he met his future wife Sharon. After marrying in Scituate Bertrand and Sharon moved to Maine where he began his life long passion for Physics. Bertrand went on to receive his Bachelor of Physics from the University of Maine. While in Maine, Bertrand and Sharon started a family. They first welcomed their Daughter Kimberly and then three years later their son Kevin. They settled in Scituate and as a family they enjoyed hiking in the White Mountains.

Bertrand started his career in Physics working with various companies such as Kodak, AVCO Everett and Itek Optical Systems. For the past 27 years he served as Vice President in charge of electro-optical systems for Assurance Technology Corporation. There he provided systems engineering, technical and project management leadership in developing some of the nations most advanced space-based optical and electronics systems. Some of his many system developments and on-orbit operations efforts included an advanced space based infrared imaging system, an advanced CMOS Imaging experiment on the International Space Station, and a space-based payload that accurately measures ocean surface wind speed and direction. He also developed advance architectural designs and mission concepts for a space-based revolutionary imaging technology system, and led the development of several airborne imaging systems. His passion for physics led him to be surrounded by great minds such as Hans Bethe, Noble Prize Winner and Arthur Kantrowitz of AVCO.

Bertrand did in fact have other passions in his life outside of Physics including scuba diving, drawing and painting watercolors, cooking and bargain hunting. He also had a love for aviation, owning several aircrafts during his lifetime. In the 1980s he purchased a Pitts bi-plane which he flew home from California. He not only enjoyed flying but also found joy in aerobatics. He was an avid reader, dog and frog lover (Romeo & Juliet) and he never met an equation he did not like.

In the words of his dear friend Larue Renfroe “Bert was everyone’s friend, always positive and supportive of those he worked and interfaced with. He had a genuine appreciation of the thoughts and efforts of others, a great sense of humor, and a kind word for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”