It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Earl Frederick Bourgeois, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and true friend to all, on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, at the Glace Bay Hospital.
He was born May 20, 1919 in Glace Bay to the late Thelma (Gratto) and Charles Bourgeois.
He was a resident of Glenwood Avenue for the past 50 years where he resided with his wife Isabella Sylvia Bourgeois.
Earl joined the Cape Breton Highlanders in 1937 at the age of 18. Earl was a veteran of the Second World War, where he served as a sergeant in the anti-tank infantry serving overseas in Italy, Belgium and Holland. He remained a faithful, loyal and well respected member of the Highlanders until the end. Upon his return from the Second World War he followed in his father's footsteps as a barber until he retired from Union Street at the age of 76.
Earl was an active member in the community where he served on many local boards such as Glace Bay Central Credit Union, St. Anne's Parish Men's Club, and Branch 3 Legion, where he held the honour of being the eldest active member until his passing. He also volunteered for many years at St. Anne's Camp preparing for the summer season.
Earl was a very compassionate and caring individual who was well known for going out of his way to help those in need. This could be seen through his adopted daughter overseas whom he looked forward to receiving cards and pictures on how she was doing.
Earl was an active hockey fan and spent many years watching his sons and especially his grandson, Marc, a former Screaming Eagle player. He looked forward to going to the games.
Besides his parents, Earl was predeceased by his wife, Isabella Sylvia (Craig) in October, 2004, and by a sister, Edeline, at eight years of age.
He is survived by his daughter, Joan King; sons, Blaine, John 'Minnow' (Betty), Freddy (Cheryl), Glace Bay, and Craig (Lynn), Georgetown, Ont.; six beloved grandchildren, Janice (Hank) Walker, Jimmy (Lisa), Marc, Caitlin, Lindsay, Ryan; and one great-grandchild, Aidan; and many nieces and nephews, and best friend until the end, Mary MacIntyre.
He is also survived by brothers, George (Gertie), Merlin (predeceased Anna), Lonnie, Charles (Betty), John (Rose), Nelson (Brenda); sisters, Eloise (predeceased Alex) Colson, Irene (predeceased John) Campbell, Cora (predeceased Thomas) Corbett.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses and staff on 3rd floor, Glace Bay General and thanks to Dr. Gallivan, Dr. MacVicar and Dr. Ritter.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to be held at St. Anne's Church, Glace Bay, Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. Interment will be in Forest Haven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earl's memory to a charity of your choice.
His warm, gentle smile and kind heart will be remembered by all who knew him.
"May the Lord support us all day long,
Till the shades lengthen,
And the evening comes,
And the busy world is hushed,
And the fever of life is over,
And our work is done,
Then in his mercy,
May he give us a safe lodging,
And a Holy rest and peace at last.
Amen."

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