Joseph Henry Bourgeois passed away on November 4, 2011 at Jubilee Manor at age 83.
Born in Crescent Valley May 18, 1928 to pioneers Henri and Hortense Bourgeois who moved to Quebec in Nelson in 1905.
They homesteaded in Crescent Valley in 1908, which at that time was called Bourgeois Siding on the CPR railroad. Over the next 25 years Henri built up his farm and dairy business. the barn is still standing today.
Joe's older brothers and sisters took their turns hand milking 30 cows before and after school. At the age 16, Joe delivered milk to homes in the South Slocan area. Milk cans were sent to CM&S (Cominco) in Trail by train. Many of Joe's friends learned to drive the milk truck.
In 1950 Joe began work for West Kootenay Power patrolling power lines, in 1954 he joined the line crew as truck driver/maintenance and construction crew. Upon retirement in 1988 he had a safety record of 38 years.
In 1955 he married Josephine Stonoski. They had 2 children, Ron and Christine, living in South Slocan for 47 years. he was resourceful and liked to work with his hands repairing household items and cars. In 2002 they moved to Taghum where he continued to be always on call to help friends, neighbors' and community.
He is survived by his wife Josephine of 56 years, son Ron (Pam), grand daughters Nicole and Shay of Madison, Wisconsin, daughter Christine LePage (Doug) of Nelson, grandson Stuart (Nadine) of Kamloops and grand daughter Renee of Vancouver, brother in law John Stonoski (Hilda) of Abbotsford, brother in law Ed Stonoski (Bev) of Langley and Sister Mariette of Windsor Ontario. Predeceased by parents and siblings Cecile, Gaston, Yvette, Helen, Louis, and Maurice.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, 813 Ward Street Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 10:30 am with Father Jim Ratcliffe as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Nelson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to donate to Joe's memory, please consider Kootenay Lake Hospital Retinology Clinic, Nelson #3 View Street, Nelson V1L 2V1 or St.Joseph's School, 523 Mill Street, Nelson V1L 4S2.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Noiles, Dr. Janz, the nurses and staff of Broader Horizons, Kootenay Lake Hospital, Mountain Lake Seniors Community and Jubilee Manor.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca