Obituary of Roger Bedard

Born March 30, 1963 in Ottawa, Ontario. He died tragically in Otter Lake, Quebec on March 18, 2020, living life to the fullest, surrounded by friends. Roger touched many lives with his easy smile, infectious laugh, and overall “joie de vivre”. He will be remembered most for his larger-than-life personality, free spirit, love, humor, and welcoming warmth.

Roger loved the great outdoors, playing hockey and travelling. A true handyman through and through, Roger was the founder of BEDCO Fencing and Decks and an award-winning tinsmith in the Local 47 Sheet Metal Workers. His legacy of work is displayed throughout the city of Ottawa and surrounding areas, something that he would proudly point out from time to time.

We will miss Roger’s culinary delights and generosity: his food brought people together (--his impression of the Swedish Chef was uncanny). Our hearts and our stomachs were always full. Roger loved to tell jokes and stories and was known to host family gatherings from time to time – he loved to entertain and was the life of the party. He would never turn down an opportunity to be with friends or loved ones and his presence will be forever missed. As a father, brother, lover, mentor, and friend he was known and is cherished by many.

Roger was predeceased by his parents Joseph Leo Bedard and Louise Ann Bedard (nee Wiebe). He was a proud, supportive, and loving father to his daughter Kaylee. The middle brother, he is survived by his siblings: Audwin (Julie-Anne), Rolland (Elaine), Lionel (Jane), Donelda (Joseph), Darlene (Jeffrey), Jennifer (Kenneth), Karen (Kevin) and Leo (Deanna). Cousins, nieces, nephews, and an extensive family from coast-to-coast, a “Richmond Boy” through and through, he is forever in our thoughts and sorely missed.

Due to space limitations, a private graveside ceremony for the family will take place on the 18^th of March at Capital Memorial on Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, family and friends are invited to an upbeat celebration of Roger’s life, from 12:30 to 4:30, at the Legion Branch 625, 6430 Ottawa Street, Richmond, Ontario. This will be a lighthearted event. What you wear should match the cheerful spirit of our gathering. Light snacks and sandwiches will be provided.

Bring a smile, a story to share, and be a part of the warm energy as we celebrate Roger.

The family requests no donations or gifts and hopes that our strength and love as a collective is what brings us together to continue to honour Roger in these tough times.