BOURQUE, François “Bernard” (Bernie) – age 98, of The Meadows, formerly of Sluice Point. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Bernard Bourque on December 31, 2014 with family by his side. Born December 3, 1916 at home in Sluice Point, he was a son of the late François Adolphe and Marie Madeleine (Muise) Bourque. He attended Sluice Point School, leaving to work on a farm in the Annapolis Valley while he was still a young man. On February 21, 1939 Bernard married Emilie Muise, his loving partner for over 60 years until her death in 1999. In 1941 they purchased a home overlooking the Tusket River that had been built circa 1833 by his great grandfather, François Joseph Bourque, a property neighboring the homes of Bernard’s grandfather and the home built by his father. From that time Bernard lived his whole life in the same neighborhood of Bourque’s Cove, Sluice Point. In 1940 he was hired at Cosmos Imperial Mills in Yarmouth, while he continued to work a small farm he had purchased, keeping a few cows, planting a garden, and when time permitted, cutting firewood on his land. He joined the Canadian Army in 1944 and returned to civilian life in 1945, at which time he returned to Cosmos where he became a shift foreman. He worked there until 1975 when he became employed with the Department of Highways until retirement at age 65. He was highly respected by those who worked with him. One outstanding characteristic was his unwavering work ethic; working the night shift at the mill allowed him to work during the day. For many years he owned a lobster boat and license and bought lobster and Irish moss for resale. At age 95 he could still be found most days working on his immaculately kept property, mowing over two acres of lawn, scraping and painting the house and barn, working the wood pile, or one of many other chores. With Dad, there was “always something to do!” He always planned his next day’s work before retiring at night. Bernard was a friend of many and quick to start a conversation with strangers. He was an amateur boxer as a young man and followed the sport as well as baseball and hockey throughout his life. Bernard was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Wedgeport Branch 155. He will be greatly missed by his children, Gordon (Elaine) Bourque, Medford, MA; Leland Bourque, Sluice Point; Marlene (Gordon) Wood, Tusket; brother, Roland (Pauline) Bourque, Tusket; grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Emilie (Muise) Bourque; sons, Wayne and Vernon; grandson, Wayne; sisters, Laurette (in infancy), and Josephine; brothers; Roland (in infancy), Lawson, Richard, Leopold, Ligourie, and Herman. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Meadows; their dedication, compassion, and quality care shown Dad were a heart-warming blessing to the entire family. Funeral arrangements were under the care and direction of H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, 29 Albert Street, Yarmouth, where visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, January 2 with prayers at 8 p.m. A funeral mass was held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Church (Église Ste-Famille), Amirault’s Hill, Father Maurice LeBlanc officiated, interment followed in the parish cemetery. A reception followed at Twin Village Social Club, Amirault’s Hill. Family flowers only. Donations in Bernard’s memory may be made to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation or a Charity of Choice. You may sign the online guestbook or leave messages of condolence for the family by visiting www.huskilson.net

Love you “a million times” Dad!!!