Submitted by: Dan Rich
May 4, 1943 - June 21, 2008
South Bend Tribune 6/24/2008
SOUTH BEND - Bill L. Bouchard, 65, died Saturday morning,
June 21st, in his home. Bill was born on May 4, 1943, in
Bloomington, IL, to F. Maurine Bouchard and Irvine H. Bouchard.
With the exception of only a few years, he had lived in South
Bend all of his life. He remained a loyal alumni of Howe Military
School from which he graduated in 1963. During his years at Howe,
he received an abundance of decorations for academic and athletic
excellence. He participated in leadership among his classmates
and in such sports as baseball, football and basketball, and was
awarded the Indiana State Wrestling Championship. Bill attended
Western Michigan University where he was a member of Tau Kappa
Epsilon. He proudly served his country in the United States Air
Force from 1964 to 1968 and felt privileged to be a veteran.
From his union in marriage to Elizabeth Murphy
three daughters were born, Stacie, Tracie and April Bouchard.
Along with his three daughters, he is survived by six
grandchildren, Gavin and Sonny Gomes, Stella and Eisley Abejo,
Miles and Cassius Bill Sands, all residing in California.
Bill is also survived by his longtime companion, Sandy Pavey,
and her children, Kim and Kevin Pavey, and grandchildren, Simone
and Rusty Pavey, all of South Bend. He was preceded in death by
his mother, F. Maurine Bouchard, on September 8, 1986, and his
father, Irvin H. Bouchard, on February 18, 1976. Bill was a proud
member of VFW Post 1954, North Liberty. He also enjoyed reading
Western novels, crocheting, his beloved pets, and watching
numerous sports from racing to professional golf. Although Bill
received numerous recognition for service throughout his
lifetime, his most highly regarded title was a loving father,
grandfather and friend. His patience and kind heart will be
remembered always by all who knew him. He will be missed deeply.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521
N. William St., where friends may visit with the family from 2 to
6 p.m. Chaplain Richard Warner of American Legion Post 365, North
Liberty, will officiate. Military honors will follow with Post
1954 V.F.W. Burial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June
26th, in Flora Park Cemetery, Indianapolis. Memorial
contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 111
Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.