MOMBOURQUETTE, HON. JOSEPH WILLIAM (CAPT. RET'D; C.D.) 85, Oromocto, New Brunswick. Joe died peacefully on November 27, 2007, at the Oromocto Public Hospital, in the presence of his loving wife Theresa. Joe was born on September 9, 1922 in Lower L'Ardoise, Richmond Country Cape Breton. He was the eldest son of the late Anthony and Clara (Sampson) Mombourquette, whom he dearly adored and honoured all the days of his life. He grew up in the small fishing community of L'Ardoise and began full-time work at the age of 13. Although only 17, he joined the Canadian Army in Halifax in 1940, as a member of the Princess Louise Fusilliers Regiment (PLF). The PLF saw action in Italy and Holland from late 1943 until May 1945, ending the war after freeing the coastal town of Dalfziel, Holland. His younger brother, Frank, died in action in Dalfziel on May 1, 1945 as a member of the Cape Breton Highlanders. At war's end Joe had earned the rank of Sergeant and remained with the PLF until 1947, when he returned to school at College Ste. Anne in Church Point, N.S. Upon graduation, he entered St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S., graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. During his years at St. F.X. Joe participated in every aspect of university life, including student government, the Co-op Society, Reserve Officer Training, the Varsity track and field team, intramural sports and the school's religious activities. Joe was Student Council President in his senior year and was elected Life President of the St. F.X. Class of 52'. With his good friend, Frank "Fa Fa" MacNeil, he was co-recipient of the prestigious Larkin Trophy, awarded to students with the best all around commitment to academics, athletics, campus and religious life. He remained a dedicated alumnus and passionate supporter of St. F.X. and its sports teams, faithfully attending his 5-year reunions and keeping in touch with his fellow alumni. After graduating from St. F.X., Joe rejoined the Canadian Army as an officer and immediately began training to join the Canadian Forces, then fighting in the Korean War. Before going overseas, he married the love of his life, Theresa Marion Clannon, to whom he remained faithful and devoted during the 55 years of their marriage. Joe was in Korea from late 1952 until early 1954, when he returned to Canada and met his first child, Colin, who had been born while he was away. During Joe's time in the military, he and Theresa were stationed in Petawawa, ON, Chatham, N.B. (where Peter and Kevin were born), Oromocto (where Michael and David were born), Montreal (where Maureen was born), finally returning to Oromocto in 1964. Joe retired from the military in 1973 with the rank of Captain, having served for many years as the Base Personnel Selection Officer. He moved with his family to Burton, N.B., where he and Theresa have continued to live among wonderful friends and neighbours. Joe began a new career in 1973, as the Manager of the Manpower office in Minto, N.B., where he made many new friends. He eventually transferred to the Fredericton Manpower office and was assigned responsibility for Project Second Career at C.F.B. Gagetown, assisting retiring soldiers find civilian work. A long-time supporter of the Progressive Conservative Party, Joe finally answered the call to political life in 1982 and was elected MLA for Oromocto-Burton-Geary. He was appointed to the Provincial Cabinet as Minister of Labour in 1982 and in 1985 was appointed to the Executive Committee of Cabinet. He did his best to serve his constituents with honour, ability and integrity, fulfilling the pledge he made during his first campaign. Following the 1987 election, Joe remained active in the Oromocto area community, continuing a life of service he had begun during the 1950's.