Thief River Falls - Paul Bedard, 73, died Thursday, June 4, 1998 at his home in Thief River Falls.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls with Father Dennis Wieland officiating. Alex Primakov was the organist, and special music was provided by the Resurrection Choir. Cantors were Darrell Tveitbakk and Judy Dupree. Casketbearers were Matthew Dupree, Ryan Dupree, Shawn Colbert, Jerud Colbert, Andre Bedard and John Osler. Burial was in St. Bernard's Cemetery. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Paul James Joseph Bedard was born January 8, 1925 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada, the son of Alphonse and Alphonsine (Poirier) Bedard. He was raised in St. Boniface and was baptized, confirmed and attended school at the Provencher School.
After playing junior hockey for the St. Boniface Athletics, Paul signed for semi-professional hockey, playing for clubs in Baltimore, MD, Ft. Worth, TX, and San Diego and Oakland, CA. During the off-season, he worked for the CPR Railroad, Weststeel Company and Buckstall Construction.
On June 23, 1945 Paul was united in marriage to Caroline Reichardt at St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In 1952 the couple immigrated permanently to the United States and settled in Thief River Falls. Paul was a player/coach for the Thieves Hockey team. He also worked for the City of Thief River Falls for over 30 years in the power and light department and at the Eagle's Club. Paul served as a hockey referee, youth hockey coach and volunteer fireman. He was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, the Eagle's Aerie and "Old Timers" skaters in Thief River Falls.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, recreational skating, being with his family and telling stories.
Paul is survived by one son, Charles of Thief River Falls; four daughters, Janet (Steve) Colbert of Prior Lake, Suzanne (Harold) Dupree of Thief River Falls, Cynthia (Craig) Treb of Burnsville and Renee (Stan) Ringold of Buffalo; one brother, Pierre "Peter" Bedard of Ile de Chene, Manitoba; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, on September 29, 1996; parents; one son, Lawrence Bedard; one brother, Gerald Bedard; and two sisters, Yvonne Bedard and Lucille Saunders.