Leo S. Bourque

Leo Stephen Bourque of Sault Ste. Marie passed away at his home on March 27, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born on April 19, 1948 in Marquette, MI. He graduated from Sault High School in 1967. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army and served his country in Vietnam in the 9th Infantry Division. On April 28, 1969, he received THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL and on May 25, 1969, he received THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL as well as the COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE and AIR MEDAL. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he attended Lake Superior State College and graduated in 1973 receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History as well as a Teaching Certificate. He owned and operated L & M Trailer Court and Bourque Excavating for many years retiring from Bourque Excavating about 5 years ago as his health began to decline. Though he lost his final battle to heart & lung disease, Leo was always somewhat of a free spirit. He enjoyed life and especially loved a good challenge or debate. In the end, his main wishes were to visit and say "good-bye" to his loved ones. His children and grand-children all made it home to spend time with him. Next to his children, his greatest love was hockey, and he was an avid Greyhounds and Red Wings fan. He would rather be in an ice rink than anywhere else in the world and always hated it when an enthusiastic fan would stand up and block his view. This year, he''ll have a bird''s eye view of the 2012 play-offs. He is finally at peace and out of pain. He is survived by his children Lori (Cory) Jodoin of Sault Ste. Marie, Steve (Marcie) Bourque of Atlanta, GA, Leanna Wilton of Livonia, and Lonny (Elisa) Bourque of Norfolk, VA and his grandchildren Cody, Zach & Kimberly Jodoin, Emily Wilton and Raymond Bourque. He is also survived by his sister Delores Davenport of San Antonio, TX and her children Donald, Diane and Derek. Other nieces and nephews include Linda Gregg from Leesville, LA, Bill Leist, Marilyn Davis, Debbie Leist and especially Butch Leist all of San Antonio. He is also survived by good friends Ray and Barb Szymanski from Hersey, MI. Ray has been his good friend and confidant for 20 years. He is further survived by his best friend Billie Stoneburner who never left his side during his final days and to whom the family will be forever grateful. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo & Mary Bourque, his sister, Joan Leist and brother-in-law, Roy Davenport. Visitation with friends & family will be held on Saturday, March 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home with a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. with Father Bob Aldrich officiating. Any memories of Leo may be read or submitted to be read during the service. After the service, all are invited to a luncheon in the undercroft of St. James Episcopal Church. Interment will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens at a later date where he will be laid to rest with his parents. Donations may be made to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be left on line at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Leo S. Bourque

April 19, 1948 - March 27, 2012