Obituary for Douglas Alfred Bourre
It is with heavy hearts the family of Douglas “Doug” Bourre announce his passing on Thursday February 18, 2021 at the Rainy River Health Centre, with his wife by his side. Doug fought a long, courageous battle with cancer for the last few years.
Doug was born on September 3, 1945 in Rainy River ON to Alfred & Joy Bourre. He was the oldest of five children and grew up in Rainy River.
Doug attended the Alexandria School and Rainy River High School. After graduation he headed to Kenora ON where he completed another year of school. After finishing school Doug began working for Bell Canada. This job took him all over Ontario, including to Chapleau ON where he met the love in his life, Linda in 1967.
Doug & Linda were married on October 14, 1967. They moved around a lot living in different towns such as Elliott Lake, Chapleau & Wanapitei. They were blessed with their son, Richard in 1968 and their son Michael in 1973, the same year they settled down in Rainy River. Together Doug & Linda raised their sons spending winters in hockey arenas. Doug was a hockey coach for many years in Rainy River, coaching hockey was something he took great pride in. Summers were spent at the cabin which was purchased in 1976. The little cabin on Frenchmens Rock Road would become a special haven for the Bourre family. This is where you can always find someone to take you fishing, a delicious meal and laughter around the campfire or kitchen table. The most cherished family memories were made at the cabin. Doug had a love for the great outdoors, he hunted every fall and fished every chance he had.
Doug was a very hard worker. After he retired from Bell Canada in 1996 he took up farming. For years you could find Doug and his son Michael tending to their cattle or haying in the summer. Doug was always ready to lend a helping hand. The farm always brought great excitement to kids in the family especially during calving season, what kid isn’t excited to see a baby cow?
Doug was a loving husband, a patient father, a compassionate brother and son, a supportive friend to many and of course a devoted grandpa. He will be deeply missed by many but we are glad he is at peace and no longer in pain.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife Linda Bourre, son Michael Bourre of Gameland ON, brother Drew (Denyse) Bourre of Winnipeg MB, sisters: Joy Anne (Gary) Tolen of Nestor Falls ON & Betty Radbourne of Thunder Bay ON, grandchildren Jessie Bourre (Sean Antonson) of Geraldton ON & Lindsay Bourre (Leslie Johnson) of Rainy River ON, brother-in-law Everett Jackson and one very special great grandson Kaleb Johnson of Rainy River ON, many nieces, nephews & in laws.
Doug is predeceased by his parents Alfred & Joy Bourre, his son Richard Bourre, his sister Carol Bourre, sister in law Lois Clegg and his brothers in law Calvin Radbourne, Pierre Morin & Bill McFarlane.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. If desired memorial donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre.
Doug was born on September 3, 1945 in Rainy River ON to Alfred & Joy Bourre. He was the oldest of five children and grew up in Rainy River.
Doug attended the Alexandria School and Rainy River High School. After graduation he headed to Kenora ON where he completed another year of school. After finishing school Doug began working for Bell Canada. This job took him all over Ontario, including to Chapleau ON where he met the love in his life, Linda in 1967.
Doug & Linda were married on October 14, 1967. They moved around a lot living in different towns such as Elliott Lake, Chapleau & Wanapitei. They were blessed with their son, Richard in 1968 and their son Michael in 1973, the same year they settled down in Rainy River. Together Doug & Linda raised their sons spending winters in hockey arenas. Doug was a hockey coach for many years in Rainy River, coaching hockey was something he took great pride in. Summers were spent at the cabin which was purchased in 1976. The little cabin on Frenchmens Rock Road would become a special haven for the Bourre family. This is where you can always find someone to take you fishing, a delicious meal and laughter around the campfire or kitchen table. The most cherished family memories were made at the cabin. Doug had a love for the great outdoors, he hunted every fall and fished every chance he had.
Doug was a very hard worker. After he retired from Bell Canada in 1996 he took up farming. For years you could find Doug and his son Michael tending to their cattle or haying in the summer. Doug was always ready to lend a helping hand. The farm always brought great excitement to kids in the family especially during calving season, what kid isn’t excited to see a baby cow?
Doug was a loving husband, a patient father, a compassionate brother and son, a supportive friend to many and of course a devoted grandpa. He will be deeply missed by many but we are glad he is at peace and no longer in pain.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife Linda Bourre, son Michael Bourre of Gameland ON, brother Drew (Denyse) Bourre of Winnipeg MB, sisters: Joy Anne (Gary) Tolen of Nestor Falls ON & Betty Radbourne of Thunder Bay ON, grandchildren Jessie Bourre (Sean Antonson) of Geraldton ON & Lindsay Bourre (Leslie Johnson) of Rainy River ON, brother-in-law Everett Jackson and one very special great grandson Kaleb Johnson of Rainy River ON, many nieces, nephews & in laws.
Doug is predeceased by his parents Alfred & Joy Bourre, his son Richard Bourre, his sister Carol Bourre, sister in law Lois Clegg and his brothers in law Calvin Radbourne, Pierre Morin & Bill McFarlane.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. If desired memorial donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Centre.