In Memory Of
Eugene V. Bourque, Jr.
1931
2020
Eugene V. Bourque, Jr.
February 17, 1931 — November 30, 2020
Eugene V. Bourque Jr., passed away on November 30th at age 89.
Eugene was born on Feb 17, 1931 in Albany, NY to Eugene V. Bourque Sr. and Lola (Barnhart) Bourque. Married 68 years, he is survived by his loving wife Gloria (Smith) Bourque, son David Bourque and his wife Laura, daughter Susan Bourque and her husband Bill Schoenfeld, four grandchildren: Michael Bourque, Rochelle (Bourque) Ward, Noah and Gabriel Schoenfeld and great grandson Greyson Bourque. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Alan J. Bourque.
Eugene graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1949 and then attended Siena College. After serving in the US Navy Reserves he went into the insurance field working for Continental Insurance Company as a valued bondsman until retirement. A talented musician, he played tenor and alto saxophone, upright bass and sang vocals. Eugene had a natural talent for harmony and improvisation. Beginning at age 16 and spanning most of his life, Eugene was a musician in several regional bands including the Or'kets, the Harry Raymond Orchestra and Jack Dugan and Company. They performed jazz standards and popular music at dance halls, resorts, community events and weddings. His family is particularly proud of his performance on the concourse of the Empire State Plaza. Three of his lifelong friends, Don Day, Jerry Walsh and Arnie Seim also shared his love of music and performing.
He is remembered for his easy banter, positive outlook on life, great sense of humor and fun loving spirit. He was the champion at neighborhood flashlight tag. He often joked that Gloria robbed the cradle as he is one month younger than her. Gene and Gloria were childhood sweethearts. He called her his 'sweet lips' all throughout their long marriage. He always loved music and was very fond of Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson. Through Eugene and Gloria's efforts a summer camp was purchased on Brant Lake which continues to be cherished to this day. The family is grateful that Gene was able to visit camp one final time last year. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, darts, cards with family and friends and exploring natural and historic places. He loved using sayings and here is one of his favorites, "When an old man dies it's like burning down a library". We lost much more than that.
Due to Covid precautions the services will be private. The Bourque Family would like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the staff at Teresian House. Their caring and kindness helped both the family and Eugene through the final years of his life.
Remember his joy for life with his most spoken parting words… Three Cheers!
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Eugene's memory to the Fisher Center Alzheimer's Research Foundation at https://www.alzinfo.org/memory-wall/eugenebourque/
Eugene was born on Feb 17, 1931 in Albany, NY to Eugene V. Bourque Sr. and Lola (Barnhart) Bourque. Married 68 years, he is survived by his loving wife Gloria (Smith) Bourque, son David Bourque and his wife Laura, daughter Susan Bourque and her husband Bill Schoenfeld, four grandchildren: Michael Bourque, Rochelle (Bourque) Ward, Noah and Gabriel Schoenfeld and great grandson Greyson Bourque. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Alan J. Bourque.
Eugene graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1949 and then attended Siena College. After serving in the US Navy Reserves he went into the insurance field working for Continental Insurance Company as a valued bondsman until retirement. A talented musician, he played tenor and alto saxophone, upright bass and sang vocals. Eugene had a natural talent for harmony and improvisation. Beginning at age 16 and spanning most of his life, Eugene was a musician in several regional bands including the Or'kets, the Harry Raymond Orchestra and Jack Dugan and Company. They performed jazz standards and popular music at dance halls, resorts, community events and weddings. His family is particularly proud of his performance on the concourse of the Empire State Plaza. Three of his lifelong friends, Don Day, Jerry Walsh and Arnie Seim also shared his love of music and performing.
He is remembered for his easy banter, positive outlook on life, great sense of humor and fun loving spirit. He was the champion at neighborhood flashlight tag. He often joked that Gloria robbed the cradle as he is one month younger than her. Gene and Gloria were childhood sweethearts. He called her his 'sweet lips' all throughout their long marriage. He always loved music and was very fond of Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson. Through Eugene and Gloria's efforts a summer camp was purchased on Brant Lake which continues to be cherished to this day. The family is grateful that Gene was able to visit camp one final time last year. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, darts, cards with family and friends and exploring natural and historic places. He loved using sayings and here is one of his favorites, "When an old man dies it's like burning down a library". We lost much more than that.
Due to Covid precautions the services will be private. The Bourque Family would like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the staff at Teresian House. Their caring and kindness helped both the family and Eugene through the final years of his life.
Remember his joy for life with his most spoken parting words… Three Cheers!
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Eugene's memory to the Fisher Center Alzheimer's Research Foundation at https://www.alzinfo.org/memory-wall/eugenebourque/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene V. Bourque, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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