Eugene (Gene) J. Bourassa

Our dad, Eugene J. (Gene) Bourassa, a resident at Brookdale Senior Living in Saginaw, Michigan, passed away very peacefully at his residence on Saturday, October 31, 2015. He was 87, born July 25, 1928. A son of the late Henry and Clara (Seymour) Bourassa, Gene grew up in the village of Linwood. He served in the US Coast Guard (1946-47). On February 23, 1952, Gene married the former Joyce E. Ross who preceded him in death on September 17, 2004. Together they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Gene was employed by the Dow Chemical Company in Midland as an industrial pipe fitter, retiring after 30 years of service, subsequently moving to Port Charlotte, FL, and looking forward to enjoying a much warmer climate in the "golden years."   Throughout his retirement, Eugene loved not only his travel to Michigan and Texas to visit his family, but also the new friendships he developed over the years, as a loyal member of the Elks, the Moose, and the American Legion lodges, in both FL and MI.   Gene is survived by his children: Mickey (Jill) Bourassa, Mary Jo (Max) Meissner, Wendy (Jerry) MacKenzie, and Kevin (Laurie) Bourassa; his grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Ryan, Matthew, Amber, Amie, and Henry; his great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way); his sisters: Frances Duchene, June Mahoney, and Alice DeGroat; and many nieces and nephews.   In addition to his wife and parents, Gene was predeceased by his brothers: Louis, Edward, Virgil, and Lawrence, and sisters, Arlene DeGrace and Albertine Horner.   The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at both Brookdale Senior Living, and Home & Hospice Advantage for their love, kindness, and compassionate care. Special recognition is also extended to Fr. Kevin Kerbawy, for his continued prayers and support throughout Gene's final journey (of life).  Cremation has taken place with no services planned per Gene's wishes. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Legion Post #18 (Saginaw VA Hospital Christmas Fund), the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.