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DURHAM - Roger Maurice Bertrand, 85, of Durham passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on ...

DURHAM – Roger Maurice Bertrand, 85, of Durham passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on July 21, 2022, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Auburn, Maine, on Oct. 15, 1936, the only child of Henry and Simone (Michaud) Bertrand. He attended St. Louis School in New Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School.

For two summers during high school, Roger worked in several local brickyards and with a sense of pride he told many stories of his time there. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Coyne Electrical and Technical School in Boston and graduated from U.S.M. with his master’s degree.

On June 6, 1959, he married the love of his life, Bernice. Shortly after, he was drafted and served in the Army during the Korean War.

After military service, he worked as a Master Electrician with Smith and Grover. In 1964, he was hired as an instructor for C.M.V.T.I., to lead the electrical program, where he worked for 33 years before retiring. After retiring, he continued to teach night classes part time. During his teaching career, he authored a book on programmable controllers that is still being used today.

Roger enjoyed many activities with Bernice, including golf, bowling, and square dancing. He loved working the land on his farm in Durham, especially in his vegetable garden. He always made sure that everyone in the family went home with fresh vegetables after a visit. He was a snowbird for the last 20-plus years, spending his winters in Zephyrhills, Fla.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Polley and her husband Mike, his sons, Brian and his wife Jennifer, Keith and his wife Verna, and Glenn and Melody; 12 grandchildren, Jasmin, Colette, Owen, Jared, Jessica, Jaclyn, Benji, Jennifer, Ryan, Krista, Evan, and Grace; two great grandchildren, Josephine and Maren.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Bernice, and his son, Craig.

The family wishes to thank Elite Home Care and their awesome staff who helped take care of Roger during his illness.

At Roger’s request, services will be private.

Donations in Roger’s memory may be made to: St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Hope Haven Gospel Mission in Lewiston.

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