Rene Clifton Giard, age 71, passed away on March 23, 2026. He was born on March 10, 1955, in Burlington, Vermont, to Emile and Edna Giard. Rene attended the University of South Florida and worked as the Parts Manager at Gator Automotive Group for more than forty years.

Rene was known for his quiet wisdom, his quick sense of humor, and his ability to find the fish, no matter where he was. He could fix just about anything (though you should probably ask him what color glue he planned to use). Never a flashy person, Rene was usually in the background, offering a hand on a repair or dropping by to check on a friend or loved one. When he wasn’t with his family or friends, he was probably out in the boat, trying a new fly and somehow catching more fish than anybody else on the water.

He is survived by his wife, Lin; their four children, Kasey, Chrissy, Cari, and Jeremy; eight grandchildren, Anna Rose, Samuel, Adam, Isaiah, Aria, Ezra, Fay, and Anna Marie; and his four sisters, Judy, Sandy, Cathy, and Donna. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Edna Giard, and his brother, Phil Giard.

On April 4, 2026, at Davis-Seawinds Funeral home, his family will host a viewing beginning at 1 pm with a service following at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Project Healing Waters.

Project Healing Waters Link:

https://donate.projecthealingwaters.org/campaign/709643/donate

Davis Seawinds Funeral Home in Melbourne/Eau Gallie is entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences and memories may be expressed for the family at www.davisseawinds.com.