Obituary of Jacques "Jake" Bourgeois

Jacques Luc Joseph Bourgeois of Lloydminster, AB, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at the age of 59. Jake was born on March 2, 1956, in Gravelbourg, SK. He was the youngest of six children born to Lucien and Elise Bourgeois. Jake and his family made their first home in Oxbow, before building a house in Weyburn. When Jake began working for North American Lumber the family moved to Assiniboia. Jake made sure that his daughters knew how to work a tape measure and chop saw. After the lumber yard closed Jake tried a few small business ideas and later worked as the manager at the Co-op Lumber Yard. Jake helped coach baseball and ringette, was a timer at speed swimming meets, and was the mastermind behind floats for the annual Assiniboia parade. He enjoyed playing men’s hockey, was a member of the Ghost Buster slow pitch team, and was known around town as "Jake the Snake.” Jake was dedicated to his daughters extra-curricular activities, and rarely missed a practise, game, or dance recital. He was always ready to help anyone tie their skates, drive them to sports, or cheer them on. Jake later moved to Lloydminster, where he met new friends and was fortunate to re-connect with old ones. Jake began a property management business, and he enjoyed managing and mentoring his staff, contributing to the Lloyd community, building relationships, and infusing a lot of fun along the way. Jake always made a point of saying hello to his friends, was always joking around, and was willing to help those around him. He was a vital member of the community in Lloyd. Jake was passionate about fixing things, working on cars, and refurbishing old toys. His latest project was refurbishing an old go-cart for his grandkids. Jake’s time with his family was rich, real, and honest. Jake had unconditional and unwavering love for his daughters that was beyond measure. Jake always had his family’s best interests at heart, and took their dreams seriously. It brought Jake true joy to help others, and he showed genuine respect to everyone. He was a man of honesty and integrity, values that he instilled in his children. He taught them the most important lessons in life: love, grace, laughter, forgiveness, faith, and believing in others. Jake loved to have fun, and enjoyed life’s moments just as they were, simple and full of happiness. Jake is survived by his loving family, daughter Nicole Bourgeois (David Hennessey); daughter Jocelyne (Dan) Willms, grandchildren Nyola and Mataya; daughter Monica Bourgeois (Tyler Park); siblings Claude (Jean) Bourgeois, Monique (Jules) Michaud, Suzanne (Louis) Leclaire, Paul (Marilyn) Bourgeois; numerous nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his parents Lucien (1994) and Elise née Beauchesne (2010) Bourgeois; sister Paulette Bourgeois (1941). Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK. Officiant was Les Wilcock. The eulogy was shared by Nicole Bourgeois, Jocelyne Willms, and Monica Bourgeois. Readers were Tyler Park and David Hennessey. Music was shared by Adrian Bourgeois and Lana Bourgeois. Urn bearer was Claude Bourgeois. Memorial donations in memory of Jake may be made to the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, 5001 48 Ave., Lloydminster, SK S9V 0V8.