Leo Paul C. Bourgeois
Peru - Leo Paul C. Bourgeois, 87, of Pine Harbour, Plattsburgh and formerly of McIntosh Drive, Peru, died Monday, December 28, 2009 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Alburg, Vermont, July 13, 1922 the son of Arthur and Dora (Brisson) Bourgeois. He served in the United States Army during WWII and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Leo graduated from Alburg High School and later from the University of Vermont. He lastly graduated with his Masters in Guidance Counseling from Plattsburgh State. He worked in the Guidance Department at Peru Central School for over 30 years and was fondly referred to as Mr. B by his students. He was on the Peru School Board for several years and is in the hall of fame at Peru Central School.

Leo loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed family days spent at his camp on Lake Champlain. He was a big animal lover with a soft spot for labs.

Survivors include his children, one daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Gary Wheelock of Colchester, Vermont; three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas A. and Jane Bourgeois of Rutland, Vermont, Timothy Paul and Kay Bourgeois of Winooski, Vermont, and Christopher Bourgeois and companion Tina LeClair of Saranac Lake; six grandchildren, Sara and her husband Mark, Kyle, Lydia and her companion Chris, Lindsey, Jason and his wife Meehan, and Danielle and her husband Noah; great grandchildren, Haydn, Kellen, Aubree, and Ally Bourgeois, and Jacob; one sister, Anna Bohannon of St. Albans, Vermont, formerly of St. Alburg, Vermont; two brothers-in-law, Monsignor, Wendell Searles of Winooski, Vermont, and Fred Brisson of Rutland, Vermont; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his wife, Elaine H. Bourgeois, September 9, 2000.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 4 to 7pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, January 1, 2010 at 11am at St. Augustine's Church in Peru with Rev. William G. Reamer, CVPH Chaplain, celebrating. Committal prayers and full military honors will follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Peru Elmore SPCA.

Leo's family wish to offer a heartfelt thank you to family friends Kathy Phillips and Mike Daly, the staff at Pine Harbour, and the staff at the CVPH Medical Center for all that they have done.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.

643-9055