John P. Bouchard, 88, of Errol, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at his home on October 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born on May 9, 1938, in Berlin, New Hampshire, John was the son of the late Edward and Alma (Vaillancourt) Bouchard. He was a lifelong resident of northern New Hampshire and was well known throughout the region for his strong work ethic, generous nature, and devotion to family.

Throughout his life, John worked in a variety of roles, including employment with Munce's Superior as a truck driver, serviced as an independent Frito Lay distributor, was former owner of Hillside Distributors, and other ventures that reflected his determination and entrepreneurial spirit. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Joliette Snowshoe Club, and was a founding member of the White Mountain Ridge Runners snowmobile club. John honorably served his country in the United States Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain after more than twenty-five years of service.

A man who loved the outdoors, John found great enjoyment in hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, waterskiing, bowling, and was involved in the local Boy Scouts of America. Some of his happiest times were spent with his beloved wife, Rachelle, at Akers Pond as well as spending their winters in Arizona. Whether at the lake, around a campfire, or gathered with friends and family, John appreciated life's simple pleasures and the company of those he loved. He and Rachelle also spent their early retirement years traveling abroad to England, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg, and Germany, along with many trips in the US, such as Alaska and Hawaii.

If you knew John, you knew the family always joked that he had nine lives. Over the years, he survived more than his fair share of accidents and close calls, including memorable adventures around Meredith, Nay Pond, and perhaps the most serious of all, Pinkham Notch. Each time, he somehow managed to pull through, leaving his family shaking their heads and wondering just how many lives he had left. His resilience became part of his story, and the family joke about his nine lives became a treasured memory. After one of his earlier accidents on Interstate 93, John summed it up best in his own words: "God didn't want me and the devil didn't take me." That sense of humor, determination, and ability to persevere through life's challenges remained with him throughout his life.

Above all else, John was devoted to his family. He cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He especially enjoyed gathering everyone together for games, stories, and laughter. One of his greatest pleasures was playing cards with his grandchildren, particularly a spirited game of Pitch, where his competitive nature, teasing, quick wit and stubbornness were always on full display. The memories made around those card tables will remain treasured by his family for generations in laughter, love, and stories.

John is survived by his wife, Rachelle Bouchard of Errol; his children, Dennis Bouchard and wife Lucille of Shelburne, Donald Bouchard and companion Kathy Knight of Milan, Diane Sweatt and husband Brad of Errol, and Daniel Bouchard and companion Donna Hallee of Gorham; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Cynthia; his brothers, Roland, Rene, and Oscar Bouchard; and his granddaughter, Miranda Sweatt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne Church, 345 Pleasant Street, Berlin, New Hampshire, with interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

John will be remembered for his service to his country, his love of the outdoors, his unwavering resilience, his quick sense of humor, and most importantly, the love he shared with his family. His legacy lives on in the stories, traditions, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.