Don Bouchard

Don was in the first EMT class that I taught in the early 1990s. He was a regular guy. No more, no less. Nothing particularly special or noteworthy other than being made of the salt of the earth. Maine earth. 

He was a volunteer in Central Maine for Poland Rescue when he joined class. He had completed the 40-hour Ambulance Attendant class beforehand with a host of others. They all knew each other. They shared the same collective mindset. People caring for their community by providing the best care that they could have. 

Good people. Indicative of what a true Mainer is made of. Imagine waking up at night, on a weekend, after working tirelessly at your primary job, climbing into your personal vehicle to drive to the station, finding keys to get inside the station and starting up your vehicle to brave the unknown. For no pay or a minor stipend. 

It takes a character to do this. 

You arrive on scene and try to measure up all that you see while you care for those who are afraid all the while waiting for the United ambulance crew to arrive to transport your patient, your neighbor, your family. And you did it all with the knowledge of a 40-hour class. Sometimes you are asked to drive the ambulance into the city or to climb aboard and help out during transport. Someone else on your service nods in agreement. They’ll send someone to pick you up at the hospital while they clean and return the rescue into service. They have your back. You’ve had theirs. 

Adrenaline is driving and keeping you awake and yet watching the crew from United makes you want to know more. To be more. And so you continue your career to become an EMT in a bridge class. We met beforehand on calls but you became my student and I watched you grow. 

We had guest lecturers including Matt Jeton. You rode on calls during your clinicals with the likes of Shawn Metayer, Don Wormell, Matt, and Rick Simpson. All have gone before you into that good night. They are welcoming you now as one of them for you are. 

When I left for Florida, you gave me a reference letter. I have cherished it now for the past 29-years. When did we get old?

Don, you went on and became a paramedic and later a supervisor and mentor. If I had to define what a true Mainer is, I would smile and remember you dear sir. You are the salt of our earth, you are the fabric of numerous communities, and you are the provider, protector, and core of what Maine EMS should be most proud of. 

We mourn your passing, glasses will be raised tonight, and know that the son of the small rural voices did not go unappreciated. 

Dirigo.

Some of us have known you since you were a funny little guy in the first grade at Holy Cross. Some of us didn't get to meet you until high school at LHS. Some of us were able to know you as an adult who did wonderful things for other people. All of us will miss you. Our condolences to your family and friends. You touched so many lives.

The Class of '74

Alex and Robin Meadows purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Donald R. Bouchard.

Alex and I came to Maine to see Denise and Alec. We went fishing one day and there was Sea Smoke. Well being from Florida I had never seen Sea Smoke before. Don and I were on the back of the boat and he explained to me what it was in his usual wit. It wasn't that significant of a day, but him telling me about Sea Smoke is something I will always remember. 

He was a gentle soul and Alex and I will miss him!

Much love,
Alex & Robin Meadows

Don...I remember that you gave me rides home in your Saab.  We had so much fun!  Other memory of you was when we went candlepin bowling and you were not used to bowling unless it was big balls.  Your turn came up and you threw that ball like it weighed so much, the ball jumped two lines and you got a strike!  That was aa typical night out with Don!  The last time I saw you was when your Mom and my Dad were in hospice.   You were the same and that was what we loved about you.  May you rest in peace my dear friend.

OBITUARY

Donald R. Bouchard

October 13, 1956 – February 12, 2022

Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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