Joseph Girard

Colonel Joseph H.R. Girard, US Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA on August 3, 2017. Joseph was born in 1930, to Albert and Emma (Tremblay) Girard in Manchester, NH.

After graduation from Manchester Central High School, he joined the Air Force, graduating from Aviation Cadet School with distinction. He was commissioned in 1953 and retired a Colonel in 1977. Col. Girard served in a variety of roles with the Strategic Air Command including Flight Radar Navigator, Bomb Navigation Chief and Target Study Officer. He retired as Chief of the 91st Supply Squadron at Minot AFB, ND. Col. Girard was a member of the SAC Bombing and Navigation team that won both the 1970 and 1971 Royal Air Force 'Blue Steel' Trophy in England. Col. Girard was awarded commendations including Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit for Valor in Combat Vietnam and many others.

Joseph married his love, Irene Provencher, in 1953, in Manchester NH, and together they built a home for their family while travelling the world. After his retirement, the family lived in Greenland, NH where he enjoyed photography, woodworking, gardening, fishing and family time. He and his wife travelled the world again, this time as tourists.

He is survived by his wife Irene; daughters Karen and her husband Rolan Rister, Patricia and her husband David Horn, and Laura Girard; his sister Germaine and her husband Donat Boulanger; grandchildren Jason and wife Frances, Aaron and Kalyn Rister; step grandsons Matthew and Alex Horn; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire at 172 King Street, Boscawen NH on September 5th, 2017 at 11 AM. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.