George ‘Hubby’ Bourgeois, Sr.
Lieu de naissance : Glace Bay, Nouvelle Ecosse
Date de naissance : 22 novembre 1923
Date de décès : 10 mai 2018
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George ‘Hubby’ Bourgeois, age 94, of Glace Bay. George passed away peaceful at his residence on Thursday, May 10, 2018. Born in Glace Bay on November 22, 1923, George was the son of the late Charlie and Thelma (Gratto) Bourgeois.
George resided in Glace Bay most of his life, but also lived in Ontario and Newfoundland. Apart from his services in the war, he also was employed as a baker at Phalen's Bakery and a cook in Labrador City and Seaforth Shipping in Halifax.
George was 17 years of age when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He made his parents very proud following in the footsteps of his older brother. He recalled that it was a lonesome time in his life, especially when he engaged in action in the North Atlantic. Letters from home were always a welcome sight. He felt that he was quite prepared for war and gave credit to his training in Halifax. George was placed in charge of dropping depth charges and even to his final days, could recall the explosives from the attempts to destroy submarines.
His most memorable experience was the day the war was over. This event took place in August of 1945. He remembers his family and friends meeting in Halifax to celebrate his return to peace. He was very glad to get back to his familiar life. When asked if he would do it all again, he replied that he would. With 60 years’ service, George was the longest member with Glace Bay Branch 3 Legion.
George will be sadly missed my his loving wife, Gertrude ‘Gert’ (Nearing); cherished children, Nelson (Brenda), George (Doris), Beverly (Raymond) Boland, Raymond (Valerie), Charles (Maurina), Brian (Merle), Gwen (Wayne) Gracie, Leonella (Donald) Ferguson, all of Glace Bay, Michelle (Cecil) Gosbee, Inverness, Derek (Kathleen), Danny, Carolee (Shawn) MacNeil, also of Glace Bay; 28 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren who will miss their Papa dearly; brother, Halle; sister, Cora; several nieces and nephews, and all of his legion comrades.
Besides his parents, George was predeceased by his siblings, Eloise Colson, Irene Campbell, Alonso, Charles, Merlin, Edeline and Earl.
Visitation for George Bourgeois will be held 6-9 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018 at J.M. Curry Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay (849-7617). A funeral Mass will
be celebrated 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Holy Cross Church with Fr. Norman MacPhee officiating. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall. Interment will be held at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney at a later date. By request, family flowers only please. Donations in George's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Branch 3 Legion, Glace Bay.
Condolences to the Bourgeois family are available at currysfuneralhome.com.
