Obituary of William Joseph "Willie" Bourgeois

Bourgeois, William Joseph "Willie"- 73. It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Willie Bourgeois of Halifax on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, in the QEII Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was the son of the late Willie C and Mary Louise (Roach) Bourgeois. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be sadly missed. Willie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Hilda (McNamara), his daughters, Lynn (Raymond) Patterson, Shelly (Fred) Norman, step-son, Glenn McNamara, grandchildren, Raymond, Andrew and Jessica. Survived by brothers, Claudie, Joseph Cyril, sisters, Sophie Anne, Mary Elizabeth (Wilfred), and Mary Jane, as well many nieces and nephews and a large extended family. Willie was predeceased by brothers, Henry (Clothilde), Pierre (Carol), sisters, Alice (Gordon), Mary Therese (Henry). He was born in Cheticamp, Cape Breton and that may be where he found his love for the outdoors. He grew up hunting on the mountain and fishing in the brook near his home. He continued these passions all through his life with his many friends and family. Willie was  a carpenter by trade and enjoyed woodworking, in particular making very fancy bird houses. At home he loved hockey on the TV, working in his garden in the summer and chatting with his neighbours, Renzo, Winnie, Roy, Raymond, Angelo, Steve, Donnie and Danny who were his long time friends. He loved to spoil his grandchildren who were a big part of his life, especially "his little girl". Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. (477-5601) 149 Herring Cove Rd., where visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday January 24, 2013. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 25 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, reception to follow in the church hall. Interment to take place at a later date. We would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of 8.1 at the QEII for the great care. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Words of comfort can be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com