Louis-Leandre "Lee" Berard

Louis-Leandre "Lee" Berard, 78, of Buckley St. Fall River, formerly of Regan Rd. Somerset, husband of Teresa E. (Furtak, formerly Sardinha) Berard, died July 27, 2009. He was surrounded by loving family and friends at home. Mr. Berard attended St. Louis de France parochial school, graduated from Somerset High School in 1949 and attended Bryant College graduating on the Dean's List with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1958. He then attended and graduated from the College for Financial Planning and became licensed as a Certified Financial Planner which became his life long career. He served in the Army during the Korean War and served his country admirably. He was also involved in the Secret Service and army intelligence during his military service. He was a member of the Eagle Scouts as a youth and later joined the Jaycees. As a member of the Somerset Lion's Club since 1974 he served as King Lion President twice, as Bulletin Editor and on the Board of Directors for many years, he received the Lions Club's highest form of recognition, the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the President's Excellence Award, District 33-S Bulletin Editor award, and others. He was known for his Lions "Deluxe" Pancake Breakfast for the many years he chaired this project. He was also a member of the Somerset Progressive Club and served on it's Board of Directors for many years. A dedicated naturalist and environmentalist, he was a valued member of Green Futures and the Preservation of Native American Societies. As a wise teacher and parent, he has passed down his love of the natural world and the preservation of the Native American cultures to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and traveler with a great passion for cooking. Ever the accomplished wordsmith, Mr. Berard was an eloquent public speaker and also wrote lovely poetry for his wife. Fun loving, he was a great fan of music and dancing, especially Cajun music that he and his wife would travel many miles to enjoy. He was also an enthusiastic member of St. Luke's parish of Fall River. His greatest loves are his wife and his family. Besides his wife of 7 years, he leaves 5 children, Leandre A. Berard and Douglas Berard, both of Somerset, Denise Wilkie of Little Compton, Steven Berard of Westport and Susan Parrott of Jacksonville, FLA, 8 grandchildren, 2 great grand daughters, his step children, Heidi and Jason Sardinha and many other extended family members. He was the father of the late Lynne (Berard) Walsh, brother of the late Janice Berard and son of the late Leandre N. and Rhea B. (LeBoeuf) Berard. He also leaves his former wife, Lucille I. Francoeur of Warwick. This distinguished man was a treasured friend and mentor to all who knew him. His funeral will be held Saturday, August 1 at 8:00 am from AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 S. Main St. Fall River, with a service in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 315 Warren St., Fall River, at 9:30 am. Cremation to follow. Visitation Friday, July 31 from 4 to 8 PM at AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME. Large parking area and barrier-free entrance to rear of funeral home. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: St. Luke's Church Memorial Fund, 315 Warren St., Fall River MA 02721 • Green Futures, PO Box 144., Fall River, MA 02724 or Massachusetts Lion Eye Research Fund, Inc. c/o Somerset Lions, PO Box 303, Somerset, MA 02726.