Hardwick Academy and the Hazen Union Alumni Association will present two $500 service awards to a pair of seniors at Hazen Union’s 2023 graduation ceremonies in honor of Richard D. LeCours and Richard M. Brochu.
The lifelong friends, both members of the Hardwick Academy Class of 1968, grew up across the street from one another on West Church Street in Hardwick. LeCours was the 1968 class president and Brochu was the vice president.
Both spent the better part of their lives in Hardwick.
Upon graduation LeCours attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1972. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.
After his honorable discharge, LeCours attended Western New England’s School of Law and passed the bar in 1978. He started his career as a public defender and eventually practiced general law and served in the Hardwick area for over 30 years. He died at 59 in June 2020.
Brochu was born in Greensboro and his family eventually settled in Hardwick across the street from the LeCours’ house.
He grew up working in the family’s service station, Mike’s Gulf. Upon graduation from the academy, Brochu got his bachelor’s degree from Johnson State College.
Brochu purchased his business on Mill Street, Brochu’s Citgo, where he would spend the next four decades servicing vehicles. A diehard Red Sox fan, Brochu joked that he would even work on the cars of Yankee fans.
He died June 1, 2022, just one day shy of his 49th wedding anniversary to his wife, Marsha Kallahan Brochu.
At various times, both LeCours and Brochu were involved with the alumni association. Both served Hardwick on many boards and organizations.
Their storytelling abilities were legendary and they both have been described as “the brightest lights in the room” for their intellect and wit. Both LeCours and Brochu were noted for their enviable memories.
“Richard and Richard were two of the most well-liked personalities in our community,” said Mike Clark, Hardwick Academy and Hazen Union alumni secretary. “They never had an ill word to say about anybody, they both devoted their lives to their families. And the fact that both served this community, so loyally, for their entire adult lives, is just astounding.”
Added Dr. Brenda Eastman, Hardwick Academy and Hazen Union alumni president: “Richard Brochu would respond to your 1 a.m. call to come pull you and your car out of a snowbank, cheerfully, even though you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. A lovely man.”
“Richard LeCours would drive to the homes of his elderly clients to spare them climbing the steps to his office,” she said. “He would drop everything, to bring comfort to a fellow townsperson, his magnificent voice and guitar helping the community through a sad day.”
The service award winners will honored at graduation June 10.
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