Obituary of George Cyril Bourgeois

George C. Bourgeois, 74, Glace Bay We, the family of George Bourgeois, are devastated by his sudden passing on May 19, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. George cherished his wife, children, sons-in-law, and beloved grandson. A kind brother, uncle, friend and neighbour, George will be missed by many. Born on March 1, 1948, in Toronto, Ontario, George was the second eldest son of the late George and Gertrude (Nearing) Bourgeois. Raised in Glace Bay, he was one of 12 siblings. George loved being part of a large family. We always loved Dad’s stories of his childhood and growing up. A lover of sports, George grew up playing hockey, and it was a lifetime activity he enjoyed right through to his 60s. George was a welder by trade and spent the majority of his career employed by DEVCO before his retirement. A lover of the outdoors, you could always find George tinkering around the yard or in his garage, tackling his latest projects, chatting with his neighbours, and tending to his garden. A natural storyteller with a quick wit, spending time in George’s presence was time well spent. His infectious laugh will remain with us always. George was a fixer and problem solver; he was often counted on by family, friends, and neighbours to lend a helping hand or offer guidance. Above all else, George was a family man. He and Doris adored their girls. He instilled many things in them, including a deep work ethic and enjoying the simple things in life. He was always so proud of their accomplishments. He loved spending time with his family and being in their company, whether sitting on the patio, chats on the phone or quietly listening to music together. Jill and Fallon always counted on their Dad for his advice and support. George experienced the joy of being a Papa to Elliott in the last five years. George relished spending time with Papa’s boy – he was a constant source of entertainment and delight. George just loved watching Elliott skate and play hockey in the past year. And we cannot forget his dear old Finley, whose quiet companionship George always enjoyed. We hold a lifetime of memories with George that will be forever cherished. George will be deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, Doris (Wrathall), daughters Jillian Peach (Jared), Fallon Bourgeois (Braydon Connell), and his grandson Elliott Peach. George was a loving brother and is survived by his siblings: Nelson (Brenda), Beverly Boland (Raymond), Raymond (Valerie), Charles (Maurina), Brian (Merle), Gwen Gracie (Wayne), Michelle Gosbee (Cecil), Leonella Ferguson (Donald), Derek (Kathleen), Danny, and Carolee MacNeil (Shawn). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barb Wrathall, brother-in-law Bob Jollymore and many nieces and nephews. George had many great friends, especially Jimmy Howie, with whom he enjoyed a 40-year friendship. Along with their families, they enjoyed countless special memories over the years. George was predeceased by his parents, George, and Gertrude Bourgeois, who both passed in 2018. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Stevie, with whom he shared a special bond, and Olga Wrathall, brother-in-law, Ricky, and sister-in-law, Dale. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 695 Main St., Glace Bay, Rev. Duaine Devereaux. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. The family would like to thank our neighbours Alan MacDonald, Keith Politte and Jordan McKinnon, along with sister-in-law, Barb, for their quick response to help George on May 18 at home. We would also like to acknowledge the brief, but exceptional care provided to George by the Cardiac Care Unit staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, along with Dr. Paul MacDonald and Dr. Laith Shimon, for their compassionate care and support. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, (902) 849-4199. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam. And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home.”