Obituary of Peter Franklin Bourque

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Franklin Bourque, son of Emile and Rosella Bourque, loving husband to his wife of 60 years, Paulette Bourque (Poirier), and proud father of three sons; Peter Sean (Pam), Christopher Leigh (Lori), and Toby Wade (Christine). Known as “Papa”, Peter cherished his family first, and loved his grandchildren, Sadie, Epiphany, Melody, Liam, Jacob, Henry, Lucas, Pierce and Charlotte.

He is also survived by broader family, brothers Paul and William, his sister Carolyn, and all hisnieces and nephews.

Peter began his law enforcement career in youth, working in Montreal, Halifax, Moncton, andfinally, Campbellton. He left his last post with the C.N. Police in the late 60’s to join a regional Insurance Adjusting firm, Gorman Cain, serving in Grand Falls, Moncton, and finally Saint John, where he sat as the regional manager. The company underwent many mergers over his career, and he retired from Cunningham Lindsay in 2008. Peter was a well respected and prolific

presence in the Insurance industry of Atlantic Canada, and internationally known as an expert in transportation and cargo insurance specialties. He initially developed and sat as General Manager for the Transportation Fleet Service division of the company as well.

Peter served in the Reserve Army Military Police as Lieutenant from 1978 to 1982.

He was a serial volunteer, always operating with the belief that one should give back more than they take. He was a Charter President of the Irishtown Lions Club, and under his leadership, the

town built its first Community center. He served on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph’s Hospital, and sat as President of Simonds Co-op in the late 1980’s. Peter served on the Kennebecasis Regional Police Commission, served as President of the Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club, and supported countless other community groups and efforts.

Peter was a regular and recognizable face at St. Marks Parish, where he was a 40-year member of the parish choir, and a founding member of the Men of St. Marks. He was a senior member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 937, where he served as Grand Knight, and later served on the steering committee that ultimately led to a recent large housing project in Waterloo Village. Peter served many years as a volunteer and leader of Men’s Cursillo. If there was a hot griddle, he would frequently be found behind it, spatula in hand.

Peter will be missed, not only by his family, but by the countless friends he made and cared for over a lifetime of being a good member of all the communities to which he belonged.

His family would like to thank the tireless support of dear neighbors and friends through these challenging times. They would also like to thank, from the bottom of their hearts, the dear and compassionate care received by the team both at 5CSouth, and the palliative care unit at the Saint John regional Hospital. You have taken precious care of our husband and father in his last days.

We will miss you, dad. We know you’re at peace, riding God’s country on horseback.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Visitation will be Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, on  Monday, November 18, 2024, at  10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Peter can be made to Romero House, or to the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital.