Rivard Family Genealogy & History

Lucien Rivard, born on June 16, 1915, in Quebec, was a notorious criminal known for his daring prison escape in 1965. Rivard's criminal career began in the 1940s with robbery and drug smuggling, escalating in the 1950s when he moved to Cuba to operate a casino and engage in the heroin trade. Upon returning to Laval, Quebec, in 1958, he ran "Domaine Idéal" for drug and weapon dealings. His escape from a Montreal prison using a water hose made headlines, leading to his capture and extradition to the U.S. This sensational event influenced Canadian politics and inspired songs and films, solidifying Rivard's place in criminal history.

Aurélie Rivard, born on May 14, 1996, is a celebrated Canadian Paralympic swimmer known for her outstanding achievements in international competitions. She made headlines at the 2016 Rio Paralympics by winning three gold medals, a silver medal, and setting both World and Paralympic Records, which earned her the honor of being Canada's flag-bearer for the closing ceremony. Rivard continued her success by securing five medals at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Competing in the S10, SB9, and SM10 classifications, she has set multiple World Records. Her remarkable career includes accolades such as "Female Para-Swimmer of the Year" in 2014 and becoming the most decorated female athlete in Parapan Am history in 2015.

Fernand Joseph Rivard, known as Fern Rivard, was a notable Canadian professional ice hockey player born on January 18, 1946. Rivard made his mark in the National Hockey League (NHL) by playing 55 games with the Minnesota North Stars between 1968 and 1975. He was the pioneering NHL player to don the #35 jersey during the 1968-69 season, setting a trend that was followed by other players like Tony Esposito. Although his NHL career was brief, Rivard contributed significantly to the sport through his extensive play in the minor leagues from 1964 to 1975, showcasing his enduring dedication to ice hockey.

David Rivard, born in 1953 in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a renowned American poet known for his significant contributions to contemporary poetry. He has authored seven poetry collections, including "Wise Poison," which earned the 1996 James Laughlin Award, and "Standoff," awarded the 2017 PEN New England Award in Poetry. Rivard is a Professor of English Creative Writing in the MFA program at the University of New Hampshire. His work has been featured in prestigious literary magazines such as the New England Review and Ploughshares, and he has received numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

David Rivard was raised in a blue-collar family in Fall River, Massachusetts. His father served as a fireman, and his great-grandfather was notably the first Portuguese policeman in the area. Rivard is the eldest of four siblings, growing up in a household of civil servants and dressmakers, which influenced his perspective and works.