Roger Alfred Bouchard

Roger Alfred Bouchard, aged 72, affectionately known as "Rog" or "Ger", died peacefully and on his own terms at his home on 213 Stark Street, Bennington, VT, June 2, 2025 at 11:10 pm years after learning of his COPD diagnosis in 1998, which inspired him to train for long distance bicycling. The next summer, along with his young nephews he rode 230 miles on his bicycle from Bennington VT to Sebago Lake in 25 hours. He was surrounded by his loving family and in the care of hospice during the time of his passing.

Roger A. Bouchard, born July 2, 1952 in Berlin, NH is survived by his loving children, Angie Goldsmith, Renée Bouchard and Aaron Bouchard who thank him for all the adventures they had with him. “Pepe’s” three grandchildren, Lily, Alaia, and Ensor, filled his life with immense joy and were deeply cherished. His honesty, wisdom and fight for free will will forever live on in them.

Roger is preceded in death by his father Rene “Butch” Bouchard, b. March 15, 1924, his mother Theresa “Terry” LaBrecque Bouchard, b. August 23, 1927, and his brother Maurice, who died on Dec. 21, 1954.. He was the third child and second son welcomed into an extensive French Canadian family. To his siblings, Cecile and her husband Paul Budro, Louise and her husband Ed Dwyer, Jeanne and her husband Rick Chapman, and Armand and his wife Pauline Bouchard, he wasn’t just a brother, but a constant source of unwavering love, quiet care, and infectious humor. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to bring smiles and comfort.

Remembered as a great uncle, he leaves behind many funny memories, full of hands-on, if not playfully pranky learning. Notably, his chess games were always the real deal, marked by his bold, perhaps unconventional, tactic of deploying his Queen early and often, ensuring at least an exciting game. For over half a century, summers at Sebago Lake in Maine were tradition, and experienced by more than fifty family members. These gatherings were filled with water skiing, fishing, campfire sing-alongs, and the preparation of his distinctive "pigs in a blanket."

Raised in Nashua, NH, as the son of a respected builder, Roger dreamt of more than his childhood toy cranes, Roger established Bouchard Steel Erectors in the early 1980s, with the office assistance of his sister, Louise. Holding the motto “steel is real” he focused on the erection of structural steel. In 1991, he relocated to Bennington, VT, and continued in business as Green Mountain Steel Erectors. He became neighbors with Bennington Iron Works. As a family unit, we have many great stories of Roger working with Bennington Iron Works. In May 2011, Roger boldly went into the dream many have, managing their own business, and reverted back to Bouchard Steel Erectors. Operating from 940 Water St, North Bennington, Vermont, where any passer by could sometimes see his company cranes parked, the company maintained a reputable presence in the regional steel erection industry and held memberships with the American Institute of Steel Construction, specifically as CSEA, and the Steel Erectors Association of America until Mr. Bouchard's retirement in 2024.

As a generous provider of employment, he valued hard work while understanding life’s struggles. At Bouchard Steel Erectors, Zeke and Junior were more than just employees; they were loyal, hardworking men considered to be part of the family from the company's beginning. His quick wit, fierce honesty and humble attitude often left all that met him smitten.

A celebration of life will be held at Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, 213 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201 on Sunday, June 22. Family and friends are welcome to join together at noon with a non-denominational blessing beginning at 1:00 pm

The family gives special thanks to the VA Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations towards PAVE Bennington, P.O. Box 227 Bennington, VT 05201 or online: https://pavebennington.networkforgood.com/projects/100932-main-giving-page?hid=MjIwMTM5NzQ=&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4038844