Examiner-Enterprise
March 22, 2023
BARTLESVILLE, WASHINGTON CO, OK
(permission granted)

With great sorrow and bittersweet sentiment the Lessard family announces the loss of their father, Michael R. Lessard, 76, of Bartlesville.

Michael was the standing Republican Party County Chairman of Washington County at the time of his sudden recent passing.

Michael was a gifted, stalwart, beneficent soul who, throughout the course of his eventful lifetime, devoted himself to numerous causes and endeavors, all which ended in measurable paths of success for him.

Self-described as a "poor man's son," Michael grew up in Quebec, Canada, in the 1950's. He went on to serve two years in the U.S. Armed Forces as a sergeant in the 1960's. He graduated at the top of his class at Indiana Tech in 1972.

For 35 years, Michael worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut; a company that designs and manufactures jet aircraft engines. Starting out as an engineer, he worked his way up into management. Before long, his work "cell" became the company model and a focal point for tours at the large plant. In his later years, he worked in international sales, traveling the world to swing high-end contracts with foreign airlines. Michael spoke fluently in three languages and was conversational in two others.

Michael rarely missed a church service at Tuxedo Assembly of God. There he served as a deacon and headed the recent pastoral search committee.

He was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed time-outs in nature.

In 2019, Michael was elected as the Washington County Republican County Chairman. Like the "model" cell he once ran at Pratt & Whitney, Washington County soon became a model county for the whole state of Oklahoma. He acted as a trustee for the Washington County Public Facilities Authority. He was a member of the 2nd Congressional District Committee, the Oklahoma Republican Party State Committee, and Daybreak Rotary.

Married for 52 years to his now deceased wife, Grace Lessard, and as the loving and ever-beloved father to his two surviving children, Marcus and Jennifer, Michael will be remembered by them as so much more than just a devoted father and husband. More than anything, he will be known to them just as he was known to so many throughout the course of his lifetime: "a good man."

Services are under the care of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. The funeral is Friday, March 24, at 2 pm, at Tuxedo Assembly of God, 3503 Tuxedo Blvd., Bartlesville, OK. Family and friends visitation at the church Family Center is from 12:45 to 1:45. The family requests that contributions be made to REIGN - Restore Educate Inspire Guide Network, P.O. Box 106026, Jefferson City, MO 65110. (573) 230-9330. Following the service, the graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

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