Roy Bernard

LEWISTON – Roy Bernard, 86, of Gracelawn Road in Auburn, died Thursday Jan. 20, 2022, at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada on August 14, 1935, a son of Alphonse and Irene (Francis) Bernard. Roy was educated in Canada schools and came to the U.S. in his later teenage years. As a young man living in Bar Harbor, he took up an interest in cooking and taught himself the craft of cooking.

When he was in his 20s, Roy came to the Lewiston-Auburn area and he married the former Fernande LaPlante and together they settled in Lewiston-Auburn to raise their family. She predeceased him. On Nov. 25, 1982 he married Jeannette Dumont, who also predeceased him.

As a young man, Roy and a friend started, owned and operated the Ye Olde House Restaurant in Raymond, for many years. He worked at various Lewiston restaurants and later started working as a chef at Bates College in Lewiston where he spent the next 49 years in food service, eventually working his way up to head chef and remained there until his retirement.

While at Bates, he implemented the college’s recycling program and some years later was recognized for his efforts and accomplishments by receiving the distinguished Renew America Award, This is the national award for the Country. He was presented this award by Christopher Reeve’s wife.

Among his favorite enjoyments were creating ice carvings, wood carvings, golfing, fishing, traveling and visiting casinos.

Roy was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind three children, Betty Moore and fiancé Wes Cray of Lewiston, Rose Lacasse and husband Gerald of Harrison, and Anthony Bernard of Lewiston, stepchildren Eileen Lord of Minot, and Michael Goughnour and his wife Janis of Lewiston; and many beloved grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Visitation Fortin Group / Auburn on Friday April 29, from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. in the funeral home.

On line condolences can be shared at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.