It is with great sadness, but also with heartfelt gratitude for a life so fully lived, that we announce the passing of William Douglas Gard, 95, also known as Doug, Dad, Grampy and Buppy, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 23, 2026. He is survived by his bride of 75 years Ann, son Jeffrey D. Gard of San Jose, CA and his partner Chengwei Li, daughter Robin L. Doody of Benton, ME and her husband Michael, and daughter Cynthia A. O’Neill of Haddam, CT and her husband Brian; 6 grandchildren: Jessica Maguire and her husband, Shawn; Elizabeth Hollingdale and her husband, James; Justin Gard; Alexander Corkum and his wife Helen; Kristen Durnan and her husband Patrick; and Katherine Martin and her husband, Kyle; 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.

Doug was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on May 23, 1931 to Alport and Frances Gard of Prince Edward Island, Canada. He was the youngest of seven (7) children, and the only one not born on “the Island”.

After Attleboro High School, he went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he built a successful career in business as owner of Suburban Engraving Company and Systems Packaging Incorporated in Attleboro, MA, earning the respect of those who knew and worked with him because of his determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Above all else, he treasured his family. His greatest joy was sharing life's moments, both big and small, with those he loved. At the center of his remarkable life was his beloved wife, Ann, the love of his life and his partner in a beautiful marriage that spanned more than seven decades. In March of this year, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, an extraordinary milestone and a testament to their enduring love and devotion.

He approached life with boundless energy, curiosity, and an unwavering enthusiasm for new experiences. An avid traveler, he delighted in exploring new places, creating memories, and embracing every adventure that came his way. As empty nesters, in 1980, they hosted two (2) foreign exchange students who attended Attleboro High School for one year, Pernilla (Sweden) and Britta (West Germany). Years later, Britta asked Doug to travel to Germany to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. Not speaking a single word of German, he embarked on the adventure to be present for his German “daughter” on her special day. And that connection endured until his death.

One of his favorite places was his home on Lewis Bay on Cape Cod, where he and his family enjoyed the beauty of coastal living and the company of family and friends. The purchase of his boat brought a whole new dimension of fun and adventure to life on the

Cape. It became a constant source of entertainment, laughter, and unforgettable memories for everyone fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to come aboard.

He was also an avid and competitive cribbage player who relished a good game and, perhaps even more, a good victory. Whether playing with family or friends, his competitive spirit and love of the game made every match memorable. A proud member of the Elks, he valued friendship, camaraderie, and volunteering for 15 years at their weekly Bingo games. And as a fervent New England Patriots fan, he followed his team with unwavering loyalty and passion, celebrating every victory and standing by them through every season.

He had a remarkable zest for life and a gift for making ordinary moments extraordinary. Whether traveling to faraway destinations, enjoying spending time with his grandchildren, cheering on the Patriots, or sitting around a cribbage board, he embraced life wholeheartedly. His business acumen, enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and love of a good time will be remembered by all who knew him.

Yet, for all his accomplishments and adventures, his proudest achievement was the life he built with Ann and the family they shared. Their 75 years of marriage stand as a beautiful legacy of love, commitment, and a lifetime of memories.

He leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves an example of how to live: love deeply, work hard, embrace adventure, enjoy a little friendly competition, and never miss an opportunity to celebrate life.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by his family and friends.