 Leo Paul C. Bourgeois
Home:
Peru, NY
Date of Death:
December 28, 2009
Age:
87
Birthdate:
July 13, 1922
Place of Birth:
Alburg, VT
Service Information:
Friday, January 01, 2010 11:00 AM St. Augustine's Church, Peru, NY
Visitation:
Thursday, December 31, 2009 4 to 7 PM at Hamilton Funeral Home Inc., Peru, NY
Interment:
St. Augustine's Cemetery, Peru, NY
|  Bill Ashley, December 29, 2009 Peru has lost a great citizen today. Know one will ever know how many lives Mr. B has touched. He was truly one of the Icons of the Greatest Generations. A soldier father teacher counselor and friend. The world is a little colder today without his warm smile. Kelly LaFranca, December 29, 2009 We've lost our Mr. "B" ... his guidance truly exceeded the halls of Peru Central School and continues to go with each of us where ever we go. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family ... thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. The greatest measure of a man is his presence long after he has left the room ... Mr. B's presence will be among us forever. Gary Bashaw, December 29, 2009 Mr. B will continue to be one of those rare individuals whose influence has benefitted those people that were lucky to have known him. While I am not necessarily more religious than I used to be, I am more spiritual now and know Joe and Vic and Tony and Gil and Bob and Jimmy and all the rest are patiently waiting to welcome Leo's spirit to the gang that suffers no longer. Mr. B, we’ll all be along in a bit. See you then! PCS Federal Credit Union Staff, December 29, 2009 Chris and family, Thinking of you and extending heartfelt sympathy during this time of sorrow. Leo was an amazing person - let his memories guide you through this difficult time. Respectfully, Your friends at the Credit Union Keith Defayette, December 29, 2009 Not a finer man ever graced the halls at Peru Central. Mr B was one of a kind, always looking out for his students. The Peru community will forever be stronger because of his influence. To all Mr B's family my condolences. Keith Karen B Wheelock, December 30, 2009 Thanks to all of you for the most kind words on Dad.. they help in this ime of our loss.. he WILL be missed for sure, but knowing he is happy in Heaven w/ Mom and all his buddies he wanted to see again will help us through this... we know he loved his students and counselees so much and could keep track of oh so many of you though the decades.. a gift indeed ! Karen Lori & Chris Barnard, December 30, 2009 We will miss you! Stormy Smith, December 30, 2009 My happiest days were at Peru Central, Class of 64. God bless you Mr. B Cathy McDowell, December 30, 2009 I was a student at PCS from 1957-1964. I have such fond memories of Mr B. I left Peru in 1964 after graduation but have carried my memories of Mr B, our ski trips to Whiteface, counseling sessions, and his presence in the halls of PCS since I left. My deepest sympathies go to Mr. B's family and friends. He was a special man and his presence will be greatly missed. There is an Eskimo saying that helps ease my heart when it is grieving. "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather, openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." with deepest sympathies, Cathy McDowell Edmond Bourgeois & family, December 30, 2009 Prayers for your family at this time of loss. Leo always had a gentle smile. An angel watching over us. Beth Francis, December 30, 2009 Mr. B, I will always think of you with such fond memories. What an absolutely wonderful man you were! You and my dad had the Vermont connection and surely enjoyed your working relationship for so many years at Peru High. You will be missed by so many. I send my sincere condolences to all of you. Stacey & Jamie, December 30, 2009 Kay,Tim and family, So sorry to hear about your dad/grandfather, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy Robare, December 30, 2009 Will miss Leo and all of the hugs and kisses he gave so freely! Kathy A. (Baker) Smith, December 30, 2009 When I entered high school and he first met me, he said, "Oh, no another Baker girl, you're not going to be as much trouble as your sister, Nancy, and her girlfriend, Carolyn, are you?" I asked him how he knew I was a "Baker" girl, because he told me our smiles were contagious and the red glow of our cheeks preceded us. He always, always, always, knew my name and said hi, even thought I had Mrs. Cordick for a counselor. His door was open to all students, if just to sit or dry on his shoulder when your friends were cruel and shunning you. I'll never forget you Mr. B and I have and will always love you. Kathy Baker Class of "72" Mary Osielski, December 30, 2009 As a member of the class of 1960, I know we would all agree that what made us special was having Mr. B as our class advisor. He not only enriched all our lives while we were students, but he continued to take pleasure in hearing about our accomplishments during the last 49 years! Karen, Tab, Tim, and Chris- you were even more fortunate to have him as a loving Dad. Thank you for sharing him with the hundreds of Peru students whose lives he touched. My sympathy and prayers go out to you. -Mary Osielski Terry Frank Cann, December 30, 2009 Memories of "Mr. B" will always put a smile on my face. What a compassionate and good man he was and we always loved him as our guidance counselor. Bernie & Marie Pepin, December 30, 2009 We would like to express our condolences to Leo’s family in our absence because of prior commitments. Leo was a very special person whom we got to know through our mutual friends Roger and Sally Vachereau. Every summer when we visited Roger & Sally at their camp in Alburgh we also enjoyed spending time with Leo and Elaine at their summer residence. It is extremely sad to know that this gifted individual will no longer be with us, and the earth will never be the same without him. With our deepest sorrow, Bernie & Marie Pepin Mr & Mrs Charles Miller, December 30, 2009 Having traveled all over the world, I can honestly say that Mr. B was among the finest men on the planet. He was a kind, caring, and wonderful man— he made such a difference in so many lives. We are so fortunate & blessed that he landed in our little corner of the world. Our deepest condolences go out to Chris, Tim, Tab, Karen & the rest of the family. We will all miss Mr. B very much. Mr. & Mrs. Charles Miller Renee (Melie) Downs, December 30, 2009 Leo, We will miss you so much!!! You are the best person anyone could have have in their lives....and God's house is very honored to have you join them. We will meet you someday there and I will save you a dance, my dear friend and my second father. Love, Renee Michael Mahoney & Eileen Andreoli, December 30, 2009 Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather and friend. Christie (Walker) Stork, December 30, 2009 Dear Tim and family, I am deeply saddened at the passing of your father. He was such a caring, funny, family-loving man. He always made me feel special by his concern for me and my family. Both of my parents graduated from UVM so he had that connection with them. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of the Bourgeois family. Most Sincerely, Christie Carol Bellavance, December 30, 2009 Thank you Mr. B for being the best guidance counselor a person could have. Guiding us to go in the direction we did and helping me find a college. You were always the friendly face we looked for, always greeting us with hugs and You made a difference in our lives. Now may Jesus Bless you for your belief in him and give you bonus points for all you have done here. Tim B, December 30, 2009 Dad, I love you and I will always miss you. Your son, Tim. Brianna Robare, December 30, 2009 I'll miss you so much, camp was so much fun it will never be the same without you. You'll always be in my heart. Rest in peace. Tony & Deb Munn, December 30, 2009 We're so glad that our grand daughter, Ally Elaine Bourgeois, was able to carry on her great grand mother's name. We know that pleased Leo to no end Robert Baker, December 31, 2009 All thru High School Mr. B was a mentor in every sense of the word. He saw me thru my teen years and offered great advise which has stuck with me these many years. My fondest memory of him was on graduation day when he caught my mother from falling on the gym floor just as I was going on stage to collect my diploma. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friend. Mr. B you will surly be missed as a mentor and friend. Kaye (Kinney) Lange, December 31, 2009 Leo called me last Christmas (we live in the Chicago area). I treasured every time I talked to him. As a member of the wonderful class of '60, he taught us beautiful lessons--to savor every moment, to laught well and often, and to see the gift in every person we met. Thank you Leo--you are loved!!! Pat (Ryan) Fritschler, W. Simsbury, CT., December 31, 2009 I was just reading my Aunt's (Gert Joyal)obituary and noticed that Mr. B. died on the same day. I'd like to send condolences to all of Mr. B.'s family. Mr. B. taught me 9th grade World Geography in 1962/63 at PCS. He gave me an 'A' in the course. I didn't feel that I truly earned that grade. Mr. B. was a very popular and well-liked teacher at the time. The 'A' that he gave me contributed to my acceptance into nursing school several years later. Mr. B. was a special person and he had a very positive influence on my life years ago. I will always remember his kind manner. May God comfort you in your sorrow. Tom and Melody Lemieux, December 31, 2009 Mr. Bourgeios was such a true inspiration to our family. We will miss seeing his beautiful blue eyes and cute smile! Brett Bashaw, December 31, 2009 Mr B had a very positive impact on my life and over the years that of numerous others. What is uncanny is that many don't even realize how much he influenced them and subsequently, the blessings they have passed to their children. He always had that twinkle in his eye that meant "I really do care about you". He also had a very kind and subtle way of instilling confidence in all of us he touched. That I believe is his legacy. Kathleen Sweeney, December 31, 2009 Mr. B always dreamed big for all of his kids - his warm smile and loving heart made him a terrific guidance counselor and a terrific friend. He understood how to talk to teenagers and more importantly how to listen. So many of my choices have been influenced by his kind words and high ambitions - he was a lovely man and I'll miss him. Frank Melie, December 31, 2009 I have lost one great friend. Leo was a person that cared about every one and would do any thing in his power to help them. This is a sad day for Peru. May he continue his ways in Heaven Brian & Becky Barnum, December 31, 2009 Tim & Kay We always enjoyed seeing Leo at the Barnum family gatherings. He always had such a great sense of humor. We will miss him! Our thoughts & prayers are with all your family! Love, Brian & Becky Randy and Thea Swartz, December 31, 2009 Good times at camp Kathy Aurigemma, December 31, 2009 I have one person to thank for my success in life and that is Leo Bourgeois. I was a troubled kid in 1980, smart,defiant,& angry, but Leo saw something others did not see. When I hatched a plan to graduate a year early from PCHS by combining 2 years of coursework, he backed me up and helped me get it done. By far the best thing he ever did for me however, was to bet me $5.00 that I would not apply to and get into any colleges. Of course I had to win that bet and I did go to college. Going to college made all the difference for me and I am the first person in my family to get their Bachelor's. I am now a Media/Technology teacher here in Lebanon Ohio and I love my job. I did get a chance to thank Leo for all he had done for me. I worked at the Lake Champlain Ferry Company after college and I would see him and thank him again for being the one person in Peru who believed in me. I know I am just one of many who he helped over the years. My condolences go out to you all because I know what a wonderful person he was to you all. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Kathy (Durham) Aurigemma Class of 1981 Jackie Ladd Pavese, December 31, 2009 He always make those he worked with including the students feel they were most important in his life. Our class of 1960 was blessed to have him as a class advisor! He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Laurie & Mike Manley, December 31, 2009 Chris, We are very sorry to hear about your dad. We know how much you enjoyed spending time with him at camp. Tom Wells, December 31, 2009 Mr. "B" was a friend first and teacher second....He was an inspiration and guided me as I followed in his spirit and became a teacher. I enjoyed skiing the slopes of the Adirondacks with him, even though they were not the mountains of "Vermont". I have thought of him frequently over the years since we met at PCS. I was a member of his first class...The class of 1958. Chantal Girard, January 1, 2010 I will miss Leo so much. Seeing him at the lake house every summer day, he could always put a smile on my face no matter what. I will always carry the wisdom and guidance he has given me wherever I go, and I will never forget him. I love you Leo. Jay & Linda Hartman, January 1, 2010 Tim, Kay & family, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad we so very much enjoyed seeing him at our family gatherings and at camp we know how much he enjoyed spending time with all of you and the rest of his family. Know that he is at peace and will watch over you always. Love ya Linda & Jay Jerry Etesse, January 1, 2010 Leo Bourgeois was a leader of what is now considered a major educational need for student success, the ability of teaching staff to build relationships with their students. He was a master of this educational skill. His legacy is the success of all the students who were fortunate to have Leo as their mentor while going through high school and later in life. Pat Rock Bartlett, January 1, 2010 I am so saddened to hear the loss of such a wonderful person and offer deepest sympathy to all of Leo's family. I will always remember the twelve years I worked as Leo's secretary at Peru Central Guidance Office and he talked so often about his family and how much he loved them. He was so loved by all who ever met him and will leave a big void in our hearts. May God bless him and his family. Dan Golenia, January 2, 2010 Over the years since 1964, I've thought about Peru Central many times and the one person that always stood out was Mr. B. He helped me through some hard times back then. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be missed by all.. Dan Golenia and Family Garry and Adele Douglas, January 2, 2010 Our condolences to Leo's family. We have been neighbors of Leo's in Peru for several years. He was a wonderful gentleman. Always a pleasure to see. He will be missed in the neighborhood. God bless him. chris bougeois, January 2, 2010 dad i just wanted to thank you for being a great dad, i will miss you always love your son christopher SHERIDAN AND JOAN CONNALLY, January 2, 2010 WHAT A TRUE GENTLEMAN MR. B WAS. HE ALWAYS APPROACHED YOU WITH OPEN ARMS. YOUR FAMILY WAS BLESSED TO HAVE HIM AS YOUR DAD. PERU HAS LOST A TRULY UNIQUE AND CARING INDIVIDUAL. WE HOPE THAT YOUR GOOD MEMORIES WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS VERY HARD TIME. Kelly (Miller) Ehrhardt, January 2, 2010 I can still picture Mr. B in the hall during class changes! He was always there with a smile or a hug, whatever the situation warranted. He had a gift of seeing the the best in everyone--especially when we didn't see it in ourselves. A heartfelt thank-you for touching our lives. We all carry your spirit in us. For Chris, Tim, Tab and Karen, I hope that you find peace and comfort knowing that our world was a better place because your father was in it! With deepest sympathy, Kelly (Miller) Ehrhardt Dick and Brenda Boulrice, January 3, 2010 With our deepest sympathy to Mr. B.'s entire family. Your dad was a wonderful colleague and a dear friend. I feel very blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him for so many years. I am very sorry that I was unable to attend his services due to a serious medical problem. Mr B. was a class act and will be deeply missed. Sincerely, Dick and Brenda Boulrice RICK BESAW, January 3, 2010 WHAT A WONDERFULL MAN BEST TEACHER ANY ONE COULD EVER HAVE. IM SURE HE IS IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD. MR B IM GLAD I KNEW YOU. Laura Jennings, January 4, 2010 Thank you to Mr. B. for giving me the confidence to attend four years of nursing school. Without his guidance and recommendations I never would have done it. It was such a pleasure to see him for years at the hockey arenas with his grandchildren, while my children were playing hockey. God Bless his family. Jacquie Persiani Pester, January 5, 2010 I was saddened to hear of the passing of dear Mr. "B". I was a member of the class of '68 and have fond memories of the soft-spoken but spunky man with the warm smile. May he rest in peace and may his family and friends find solice in knowing he touched many lives and hearts. God Bless! sharon mumley boyce, January 7, 2010 dear karen and brothers,just want to tell you how sorry i was to hear about "peashoot", i remember him as such a nice man...so kind and friendly..spent the summer of 99 in my dad's house and passed many hrs. at the "A-frame" with he and elaine..talking and having happy hours..will remember him fondly..love sharon Jeanne Ondrek Arnold, January 8, 2010 Mr. B was a guiding, calming light on the sea of teenage turbulence. His patience & wisdom gave all of his students something to strive towards & hope for the future. No matter how many years you were out of school, he always remember you & had a little bit of encouragement to give. The last time I talked to Mr. B at Pine Harbour, he had another poem for me to ponder...In School Days by John Greenleaf Whittier. My very first poem in High School was " The Road not Taken", he had me from the start. Thanks, Mr. B! I was very blessed to have you as my counselor! Chris & all the Bourgeois Family, thanks for sharing your Dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Liz Forrence (Tomsik), January 10, 2010 Dear Bourgeous Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I owe Mr. B so much as he was my guidance counselor and advisor through high school and helped me at a time when I had alot of challenges. He was always positive, encouraging, and helped build my confidence. Mr. B called me about 1 1/2 years ago and wanted to send me some poems and letters I had sent him during high school. His spirit will live on in those he touched and I am just one example. I hope time can heal your hearts and he is with your mom now. Liz Tim Bourgeois, January 11, 2010 Dad,2 weeks have passed and i hope that you are finding your way.tell mom we love hear and will check in soon.Love Your Son Tim Laura Tessier, January 12, 2010 Mr. B was one of the sweetest people I have ever known - he touched the lives of so many of us in a meaningful way. My profound condolences to the kids and family - our thoughts and prayers are with you all. « back  | |||
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