Obituary
Retired West Springfield Police Sergeant Michael R. Girard, 67 passed away Thursday November 15, 2019 at Halifax Hospice in Edgewater Florida
Michael was born in Timmins Ontario Canada on June 4, 1952, son of the late Roland and Noella (Joanisse) Girard. At the age of 13 Michael and his family moved to Springfield Massachusetts where he graduated from Precious Blood High School class of 1970. He attended Springfield Technical Community College. Later Michael returned to college and in 1996 graduated with a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.
Sergeant Girard was appointed a West Springfield Police Officer in 1978. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1988. During his career Sergeant Girard was assigned to several Bureau’s including the Detective Bureau and the Departments Motorcycle Unit which he enjoyed. Sergeant Girard retired from Police work in 2011 after 33 years of service to the Town of West Springfield. Prior to his police career he worked for the American Linen Company of Springfield. Additionally, Sergeant Girard’s love for the Big E brought him back to the fair where he served on the Eastern States Exposition’s Security Department for 3 years.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Loraine (Wellspeak) Girard, His daughter Jessica (Girard) Marquez, his son Michael Girard of West Springfield MA, sister Carol (Girard) Lajeuensse and her husband Daniel of Zephyrhills FL, his step daughter Corrine (Spindler) Costello and her husband Jeff of New Smyrna Beach FL, his step son Donald Spindler and his wife Heidi of Myrtle Beach SC, his Step son Todd Spindler and his girlfriend Traci Poole of West Springfield MA.
One of the things in life that brought Michael so much joy was the unique bond he shared with each of his grandchildren; Brianna , Tyler, Alex, Reilly, Jared, Jackie, Jensen, Jesenia, Joseph, Jayden, Noella and his great grandchildren; Jaxson, and Julien.
Michael was a kind hearted caring man who cherished his family and friends. He was proud to serve the citizens of West Springfield for so many years. He served with honor, integrity, professionalism, and courage. He was always willing to share his knowledge with the younger generation of officers coming on the job. The friends and brotherhood he shared with his fellow police officers made him proud and thankful.
Michael enjoyed fishing and travel. He was a Toronto Blue Jays fan and a Secret Boston Red Sox Fan. Anyone who knew him, knew his love of football. He enjoyed watching Nascar Races and other sports on TV and traveling to see live games and races and sharing the experience with friends and family.
Michael and Loraine enjoyed traveling together. In all the places they have visited in their 35 years together, they fell in love with New Smyrna Beach FL. They vacationed in the area for years and just prior to Michael’s retirement they found a wonderful home within a tight knit community that was welcoming and hospitable. The close friendships made within this community meant so much to Michael and he will be truly missed.
Love you DAD.
Celebration of Life and services will be arranged for Michael both in Florida and Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Halifax Health Hospice in Edgewater, Fl.
We’re sad to hear of Uncle Mike’s passing, and so sorry for yours and your family’s loss. We’ll miss him.
Love,
Paul & Anne Marie
Maureen SImpson
I made paper mustaches for everyone and though it took a bit of convincing to get my mother to understand what we were doing, once she saw the mustaches, she thought it was hilarious.
The joke was on us though because we weren't aware that Mike had shaved off his mustache. When the WSPD paraded past, there we were all wearing big mustaches and Mike was clean shaven.