Obituary: Michael J. Picard

On Thursday, September 15, Michael J. Picard, 66, of South Hampton, NH passed away from complications of cancer. After a difficult battle in his final days, Mike rested comfortably as he passed surrounded by his closest family.

Mike was a graduate of Amesbury High school where he was a star football player. He met Maryann and they fell in love. Maryann and Mike married and built a beautiful and happy life together. Their 47-year marriage was filled with the love of their two sons, grandchildren, friends, dogs, hobbies, and travel.

From family Disney trips and twenty-four empty nester trips to the Bahamas, to motor home trips along the Saco and sport fishing in Cabo and Costa Rica with his buddies, travel was a joy for Mike and those who loved him.

All born in different places from France to Alaska, Mike and his brothers and sisters learned early to count on each other. This created a lifelong and loving bond. Moving to so many different places as a military family allowed these siblings to create many meaningful friendships.

Loving husband, father, brother, and papa, Mike’s “happy place” was with his family at Sokokis Lake in Maine. The peace he found at the lake was an unexpected gift to all who loved him.

Together, Maryann and Mike built a large and successful building supply business. If you ask anyone the secret to CP Building Supply’s 38 years of success, they’ll tell you it’s that Mike believed customers are family. This is exemplified now by the outpouring of love and support from all who patronize CP.

Mike quietly made a difference in people’s lives. Even when things were dark and gloomy, Mike had a way of keeping people going. Whether it was making sure a contractor had the tools he needed or helping a young carpenter just starting out on his own, Mike was there behind the scenes supporting people.

Mike was successful both personally and professionally. A serial entrepreneur, Mike spent his early years fixing cars and selling them. From moonlighting as a plumber’s apprentice while building CP Building Supply and eventually moving into Real Estate, Mike was not only a hard worker, but a smart one.

The most important thing in Mike’s life was his relationships. Mike loved all those around him, especially his grandchildren. Whether it was playing together by the lake or listening to them run around outside, being around his grandchildren brought Mike peace, joy, and contentment. His grandkids knew how much their papa loved them.

Mike was a protector and hero to his family. His strong shoulders were able to carry the weight of those he loved. He was the love of Maryann’s life. While the void Mike leaves behind will never be filled, the memories of the beautiful life they created remain.

Mike is survived by his loving family and friends including the love of his life and best friend, Maryann, sons Michael Picard Jr. and his wife Elissa of Durham, NH, Matthew Picard and his wife Meaghan of South Hampton, NH, grandchildren Madison Mazie, Mason, and Merrick Picard of South Hampton, Mikey and Mikayla Picard and Cameron and Caeden Nash of Durham, NH. Siblings Earl Picard of Portsmouth, NH, Cathy Smith of Dothan, AL, Virginia Ouellette and her husband Ron of Windham, ME, Ruth Betz of Bowdoin, ME, and Steve and Jeanne Picard of Epping, NH.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Earl and Cecile Picard, his brother George Picard, sister-in-law Linda Picard, brother-in-law Barry Cynewski, and brother-in-law Max Smith.

Calling hours will be held at E.V. Jutras Funeral Home 118 Friend St. in Amesbury on Thursday, September 22 from 3 to 7 P.M. A graveside service will be held on Friday September 23 at 10 A.M. at Union Cemetery in Amesbury, MA. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Galley Hatch Restaurant in Hampton, NH from 11 to 3.

Source: E.V. Jutras Funeral Home