Everyone knows how to use a bucket, right? As children we used buckets when we played in the sand box or on the beach making sand castles. As adults we use buckets to haul all kinds of things and occasionally we use them as something to sit upon. However, there is much more to discover about how to use a bucket!
Those of you who knew Bruce know he was notorious for using simple devices to teach or make a point easily understood.
One of the stories he shared about a bucket came from Frank, his dad. Frank was a man of few words and preferred to demonstrate than to explain things.
One day when Bruce was a young boy he told his dad he wanted to be a very important person when he grew up. He wanted to be the BEST at something special—to do things other people couldn't do. Frank told him it was good to have lofty ideas and goals, but they needed to be tempered with a dose of reality. Bruce didn't "get it." So his dad told him to fetch the bucket and fill it with water. Bruce did as he was told. Then his dad told him to make a fist, stick his fist in the bucket and remove it. Again, Bruce followed his dad's instruction. With a look of bewilderment on his face, Bruce stared at his dad. He wasn't sure what that was all about. His dad asked him if he noticed how fast the water filled in after he removed his fist from the bucket of water. Bruce said the water rushed back in on itself very quickly. His dad said, "my point exactly!" The lesson being, "To be the best and remain the best you must work very, very hard because there is always someone else that can fill your shoes very quickly!"
Frank also used a bucket to teach his son about the importance of character. He told him to fetch the same bucket and fill it again with water. He told Bruce this represented his storehouse of character—honesty, integrity, responsibility, loyalty, trustworthiness, excellence, etc. He wanted Bruce to understand that if he used his supply of character wisely his bucket would always be full. However, if he lied, didn't keep his word, didn't do his job well, betrayed a friend or didn't do his best, he would discover his bucket empty without any way to refill it.
So, every time I see a bucket I think of Bruce, the lessons we can apply in our business whether we are Realtors, mortgage bankers, loan officers, processors, consultants, loss mitigators, other professions as well as in our personal lives, from such a simple, ordinary item, and wonder at the wealth of ideas it can provide for us to draw upon.
I used "the bucket" idea with a different spin for a post on my blog yesterday. See link below.
If you have any other bucket ideas be sure and let me know.
If you haven't seen the film,The Bucket List, check it out. It's a terrific movie with Jack Nickalson and Morgan Freeman. A good take on living life to the fullest.
What a beautiful day to celebrate the first anniversary of Bruce's flight into a world of joy! I took my kayak to Lake Grapevine near Flower Mound, Texas armed with a couple of Bruce's favorite things—Shiner Bock beer and a hot dog plus rose petals to scatter across the water at sunset. This was a venture for two this year... just Bruce's spirit and me on the lake.
Just before sunset a Great Blue Heron flew up on the shore. He looked straight at me, then turned to greet another Heron that flew up beside him. They took off and flew across the water together into the sunset. I thought my heart would leap out of my chest. It was glorious to behold—perfect.
After drinking the beer, eating some of the hot dog and sharing the rest with the fishes it was time for a toast..."Cheers my Love—well done!"
Here are a few photos...
All images are copyrighted by Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix@yahoo.com
Bruce was my brother-in-law and, of course, knew he was a great person. He made my sister very happy. He was a fighter and went through his ordeal with dignity and hope. Not many of us could have done that. He will always be remembered by us.
Phyllis Ralls, Spring, TX
Bruce showed me you can really be it all... a real man’s man, tough and Army strong! Always strong minded and willed, some could even say a bit stubborn. But I also saw the other side with so much heart and compassion for others, always wanting and seeing the best in everybody. I always looked forward to our working lunch where I would walk away with so much wisdom and life experience Bruce shared. And I’m a better person today because off that today. I’m truly grateful to Bruce and Linda for all the love and support that gave me.
Heidi Curtis
Bruce will always be in our thoughts at Century 21 Liberty Homes and I have crossed paths with many Realtors®, Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers who constantly remind me why Bruce was remembered. He was one in a million (and still is!) of those in our industry who got out and down to offices to spread his warmth in personality and knowledge of loan programs.
And you my friend... will be strongly remembered by all... for your endurance and never ending love of your husband until his parting. Mahalo and Aloha for all you have given me... and many others.
Thanks Linda....
Sally Cheeseman, Mililani, Hawaii
Bruce A. Bourgault was my mentor. I met Bruce just as I was entering into the real estate profession and Bruce took me under his wing to teach me about VA Loans. For that alone, I have become one of the top VA Real Estate Specialists on the island of Oahu. I truly owe it all to Bruce who ALWAYS had time for my questions. It didn’t matter to him if I was asking questions for a client that was using him to do the mortgage or not. Bruce would always take the time to help.
We shared a common battle stomping ground as well. Bruce commanded the 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment during his service in Vietnam. The battalion was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks Hawaii which is the same battalion that I retired from in 2005. Bruce and I enjoyed a few conversations about Soldiers and Field Artillery which was an enjoyment for me.
He is truly missed and often thought of by me in my day to day operations.
Several days ago I was thinking about Bruce and contemplating how I would celebrate his life today, October 25, 2008. It’s the first anniversary of his death and his freedom flight into a new world. It isn’t just a celebration of his life--—it’s a celebration for all who knew him.
I don’t need to repeat what occurred during his last year—his challenges with cancer; his remission; or his death. Instead my purpose is to share a few of his, mine and our experiences that are dear to my heart. May these memories bring you laughter, insight or inspiration for your own life.
His voice—Anyone who knew Bruce recognized his rich baritone voice. They also knew privately he was a quiet man. However, when he stood before a group of soldiers, addressed business leaders at a conference or faced a microphone and television camera he became “Mr. Personality.” He commanded everyone’s attention. Bruce’s voice resonated trust and believability no matter what the subject. Hearing his voice for the first time, before I ever met him in person, sent me reeling!
Waiting—Once we decided to marry, Bruce came to visit with me in San Antonio. It was a vacation without any purpose other to share time together. Waiting for him at the airport that morning in June 1997 was a very long wait. I was pacing back and forth hoping, praying he was on the plane, but worried that maybe he had changed his mind...what would I do if that happened? The plane landed, I waited and paced some more... I anxiously looked at all the passengers disembarking - there were hundreds of people, but none of them were Bruce. I waited until I was convinced he was not on the plane... no one else seemed to be left, the jet way was empty, some of the flight crew were in the waiting area... yet I waited praying, wishing, hoping and yes, finally there he was walking towards me with a look of concern on his face while asking me why I was so pensive. I smiled, we hugged and kissed and I replied, “I’m not pensive any more.” All of my anxiety and waiting was forgotten. My prayers were answered, we were together and he wasn’t going any where for nine glorious days!
Responsibility—it was a part of his upbringing. Times were hard and both parents had to work. Louise, his mother, depended upon him at home with cooking and looking after his younger brother. When Bruce was thirteen he went to work as a bus boy in an upscale restaurant in Seattle. He gave part of his earnings to his family to make ends meet. He worked his way up at the restaurant while attending college. The ROTC program at college peaked his interest... another way to earn a few dollars more plus the idea of adventure the Army offered was irresistible. By the time he married and graduated from college he was the youngest executive chef in Seattle with a baby daughter.
Independence—Bruce could have remained as executive chef in the Seattle restaurant sharing a comfortable life with his family. Instead, became an officer in the Army, traveled, continue to increase his family, served two tours in an unpopular war and completed an MBA. After twenty years of Army life he was ready for a new challenge. He retired from the Army on a Friday and began a new career as a loan officer the following Monday not knowing there were two “g’s” in mortgage.
On his first day at the mortgage company he asked a secretary to make photocopies for him. She promptly showed him how to operate the copy machine saying something to the effect, “Colonel your rank and medals won’t buy you a cup of coffee in this office!” Quite a comeuppance from having a helicopter, car, driver, boat, et cetera at the snap of his fingers.
Patience—I can hear Louise’s thunderous laughter shaking the lofty rafters of Heaven! Neither one of us are known for our patience unless it happens NOW! Patience is not a virtue for Bourgaults in general, but I discovered he had infinite patience with me or anyone that displayed any effort to learn something new.
Family—He was so proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was proud of Judy, his first wife of twenty-eight years, when she earned her degree and became a successful computer programmer. He was proud of her for raising three independent, resourceful and loving children while he was away during most of his Army career. Catherine, Jeanne and Robert are wonderful people and successful in their own right. All are married with families of their own who have given our family five delightful grandchildren. Even though Bruce’s children are not my own I love them and are grateful for them. Because of them our lives were richer and that richness continues in my life today.
Virtues, Mistakes, Gifts, A Few Words of Wisdom-—Bruce was imperfect, but he dedicated himself to be as good a person as he could be. He believed in community service and helping others. He was an active Rotarian and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship this year from the International Rotary Organization. He gave time, energy and money to people we will never know about. He mentored, he taught and he shared freely.
When Bruce became successful in the mortgage business he made a serious mistake. For too long he was enamored with money and being a big fish in a small pond. This was, at least in part, the demise of one the most important relationships in his life. It cost him dearly, but he learned and did not repeat that mistake again. Later when he saw a friend or co-worker making the same mistake he told them about his sorrow and regret that mistake created in his life... he didn’t want it to happen to them.
Frank, Bruce’s father, taught him to watch and learn from the turtle... essentially it means you have to take risks to succeed, i.e. if you don’t stick your neck out you aren’t going to get anywhere in life. It’s part of learning to live fearlessly and not allowing your fear to prevent you from living a full life.
He always said, “keep you eye on the sparrow.” I learned it as “keep your eye on the prize.” Which ever way you say it, it’s important to remember—to focus, visualize and believe you can achieve your goals and dreams. We practiced this together, it works and we lived/shared many of our dreams together.
He gave us the gift of laughter... he was a natural at telling jokes and stories. He was a good golfer... always played by the rules of golf and proved that age and treachery won over youth and skill! He was a gourmet cook, loved boating, cruising, reading and discussing politics. He believed his life had a higher purpose... he just didn’t know the higher purpose was intended for his next life!
There is always more that can be said, but I think it’s enough for those of you reading this to realize Bruce led a full life—a life to be celebrated again and again. So now it’s time for me to load my kayak on my car, take the flower petals, Shiner Bock beer and a hot dog to the lake to say “Cheers my Love—well done!”
Many of you knew Bruce and/or followed his blog. I filled in for him when he wasn't able - which wasn't often and he even fired me once! Anyway, it's been a challenging time since his death, but I'm back on Activerain and will be blogging from my own space. However, Bruce had a wider audience and I thought I'd use his space to jump start my re-entry into Activerain... and to thank all of you again for your support and encouragement - it has meant so much to both of us. Below is my first post as I re-enter my virtual home on Activerain.
Well my name really isn't Lucy, but close friends call me LuLu. And I'm not really home because I don't have a permanent home now, so my home is where I am at any given time. For now and for some time into the future, my virtual home will be Activerain.
Some of you will remember me, but more of you will remember my husband, Bruce Bourgault. His battle with cancer and then his unexpected death on Oct. 27th, 2007, changed my life forever. Since then I have been met with many challenges, some of which have been successfully concluded, others are still in process or the outcome(s) is presently unknown. Over time I will address some of these challenges, but for now I just want to let you know, "I'm home and very happy to be back!"
If you remember many of you participated in Bruce's "Hot Dog Day" on November 17th last year. It's become an annual event now for many of us, so add it to your calendar's and enjoy a hot dog, a cold drink, kick back with friends and share the good times while creating more memories and stories to talk about.
Thanks again to all of you for your support, prayers and encouragement along the way.
Below is Bruce's obituary that ran in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Star Bulletin yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 11th. A shorter version ran in the San Antonio Express News.
BRUCE ANTHONY BOURGAULT, 66, of Ewa Beach, died October 25, 2007. Born in Winchendon, Mass. He was a vice president for Central Pacific Bank Homeloans. Survived by his wife, Linda; children, Catherine Bourgault, Jeanne Bourgault and Robert Bourgault; brother, Jack; 5 grandchildren. Memorial Mass 10:00 a.m., Friday (Nov. 16), Immaculate Conception Church, 91-1298 Renton Rd., Ewa. Contributions in his memory may be made to Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund, Inc. (AFCEF, INC), P.O. Box 44524, Washington, DC 20026. Military Honors 2:00 p.m. Friday (Nov. 16) at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Borthwick Mortuary.
I hope everyone will take a moment to remember our military members who bravely serve to protect our nation.
Our family thanks all of you again for your concern and support during this challenging time.
Aloha,
Linda & Family
P.S. We will scatter Bruce's ashes over the ocean at Waikiki on Saturday (Nov 17th) at sunset (6:00 p.m. Hawaii time), we will toast him with martinies (or beverage of choice) and hot dogs. Bruce's official "HOT DOG DAY" will occur at that time. We hope you will join us in celebrating his life!
The following are plan's for celebrating Bruce's life:
November 16, Saturday @ Immaculate Conception Church, Ewa Beach, HI
9:30 AM - Blessing B's ashes by priest with family
10:00AM - Funeral Mass
11:00AM - Reception/Visitation
Jack Shull, from San Antonio, TX with deliver B's eulogy.
Our children will participate in the offertory to present wine and host for communion. They are also included (if they desire) to share a reading, story, or say something about their Dad.
Military Honors @ Punchbowl National Cemetery - (time may change) 3:00 PM - Army ceremony with Honor Guard, flag presentation and gun salute A marker will placed for Bruce where he will be reunited with his Army brothers who shall always remain twenty-six.
November 17, Saturday - Private for immediate family and close friends
5:30 - 7:00PM/Sunset - Scattering of Bruce's ashes over Waikiki accompanied by a bag piper, toast with martinis (or beverage of choice) andmini hot dogs (there's a story concerning the toast)
Flowers are welcome, but for those who prefer to make a donation in Bruce's name please contact:
Armed Forces Children's Education Fund, Inc. (AFCEF, Inc.) P.O. Box 44524 Washington, DC 20026-4524
This is for Children of the Fallen and Patriot Guard. All of the donations to this organization go specifically to the children for education/scholarship purposes who had a parent killed in the war on terror. The fund was established in 2003.
Thank you to our family and Friends who have assisted in making the celebration of Bruce's life possible. I cannot thank you all enough for making this difficult time as comforting as possible. I will do my best to keep everyone informed as planning progresses.
B's obituary will be posted on Nov 11, Sunday in the Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin. It will also be posted in the San Antonio Express News. Jack Shull and others from San Antonio are arranging an announcement in a professional real estate/mortgage publication. If possible, I will have it published in the Pacific Business News.
Plans are on-going, stay tuned as things progress. Thank you to all of you have posted recently concerning Bruce's passing. Each and every comment and prayer is appreciated and has touched me deeply. David Kucic, an active AR member, friend and associate in Hawaii has been a rock during the past few days - he's the best "go to person" around!
I have been in this hospital for over a month and have at least another 2 weeks after my 3rd operation tomorrow morning. While here they give me some go go juice and some thing to make you sleep so what follows may or may not be true but I swear it sure seems true to me.
In the deep dark of the morning I awoke to find this beautiful woman in a lacy red gown standing at the foot of my bed. She looked at me and said....................................
I am the Muse of Mortgages and for you to be successful you must do what I say:
+ Always be honest and always do what is best for your client.
+ Always ask for referral business at application.
+ During transaction keep all informed of what is happening every step of the way. All means all. Buyers Agent, Listing Agent, Escrow, Processor, Borrower and in some cases Seller.
+ Ask for referrals in the middle of the transaction..
+ Close on time and if you do not tell every one exactly why and do it ASAP.
+ Attend the closing if for no other reason than to thank all for their support in closing the transaction.
+ Ask the listing agent if there is any one else in the office that could use your service.
+ Add everyone to your contact list and manage your list.
I thought " Wow this makes sense to me" and remember back to when my first boss said the secret to being a success in this business is that every time you close a loan, you need to put 2 more into the system!
I can't vouch for any of the above but just thought I would share with you.
I will be off the net for the next 3 or 4 days as they operate on me again tomorrow at 9:45. This operation will take about 10 hours and will give me the ability to eat again. It will take about 2 weeks before I can have soups and such and about 3 months before I can have a steak. Considering that the last real meal I had was a MacDonald's qtr pounder with Cheese on Oct 12th 2006, damn near any thing will taste fantastic. I have a Treo 650 and in the memo book on my phone I have recopies that I want to try and my menu for the first week I can eat whatever I want.
If you think about it tomorrow please send a thought or prayer my way as they will all be appreciated, needed and cherished. Please Pray for my wife as this is much harder on her than on me.
I have been remiss in posting as I have been concentrating all of my time on Bruce and our family. As many of you know he enter the hospital on Sept 5th. We had every hope and expectation of a successful surgery to remove the cancer and be restored to health within a two week recovery time in hospital plus a brief rest at home, return to work, able to eat and speak normally...essentially to regain his life full throttle. Nothing else was on our radar. We were both shocked by healing challenges and another very long surgery which resulted being in ICU for over two weeks.
Bruce Anthony Bourgault died today (Thursday @ 4:40 PM Hawaii Time) at Queen's Medical Center's ICU surrounded by family members, Linda and Judy Bourgault, Lisa Albright, Chaplain Scott from Queen's, Army Battalion Chaplain Inghilterra, his assistant Wellington, and ICU nurses - Josh, Swi Ming, Michelle, and Kay. Immediate and extended family, friends, associates, doctors, nurses and so many more were with us in spirit...as they have been with us during this past year during Bruce's challenge with cancer
As a family we decided to let Bruce go on Friday morning, but Bruce and God had a different plan. We responded with love and compassion to honor his wishes...everyone and everything fell into place = Divine Order. We had private time with him, his children called, they sent lovely Hawaiian flowers, my family called, the ICU staff prepared him with compassion and dignity, Chaplain Scott visited with us, we joined as one in prayer and scripture, Judy shared a special prayer of passage, Army Chaplain Inghilterra (a cancer survivor since July) and Wellington arrived, we joined in prayer again, I held Bruce's hand with my other hand over his heart...I felt his heart stop, he died peacefully, without struggle. Being with Bruce, knowing he was surrounded by love and God's grace with people who loved and cared for him, was the most beautiful experience I have ever witnessed. Even in death he continued to guide us gently, protect us and gave us "The Greatest Gift"...Love!
Preparing for this day has been the saddest, most heartbreaking and difficult challenge of my life, yet living/believing/knowing the life I share with Bruce and the reawakening of my Faith in God has given me strength to face this day ... I can't really express this experience in words. Just know from my perspective that the nearness of Bruce and God (and so much more) created this day as most momentous, beautiful day and will never-ever be forgotten and cherished in my heart and soul for all time.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for being with us as we appreciate your love, respect, steadfastness, and faith for one of the best human beings you will ever encounter...the most wonderful man many us will ever know.
We are now making plans on Friday for B's cremation and local/Hawaiian funeral mass service. We will celebrate his life and will let you know our plans very soon for local services and additional service to scatter his ashes. Stay tuned...I will let one-n-all know about local services when they are in place. Please continue your prayers for Bruce and our family.
My niece, Lisa, and I shared a toast of champagne to My Love complimented by a bright full moon celebrating his passage to his new Life tonight. We hope you will join us in celebrating Bruce's life as well. Please do not forget B's "hot dog" day via Activerain members. We need to set a date to honor him with hot dogs, beer or other beverage of choice.
David Kucic has been gracious enough to keep you informed until I was able to post again...and continues to help us through this special time...I cannot thank him enough for all of his timely and most needed help.
Mahalo (thank you) again to everyone for sharing this time with us.
I have been in this hospital for over a month and have at least another 2 weeks after my 3rd operation tomorrow morning. While here they give me some go go juice and some thing to make you sleep so what follows may or may not be true but I swear it sure seems true to me.
In the deep dark of the morning I awoke to find this beautiful woman in a lacy red gown standing at the foot of my bed. She looked at me and said....................................
I am the Muse of Mortgages and for you to be successful you must do what I say:
+ Always be honest and always do what is best for your client.
+ Always ask for referral business at application.
+ During transaction keep all informed of what is happening every step of the way. All means all. Buyers Agent, Listing Agent, Escrow, Processor, Borrower and in some cases Seller.
+ Ask for referrals in the middle of the transaction..
+ Close on time and if you do not tell every one exactly why and do it ASAP.
+ Attend the closing if for no other reason than to thank all for their support in closing the transaction.
+ Ask the listing agent if there is any one else in the office that could use your service.
+ Add everyone to your contact list and manage your list.
I thought " Wow this makes sense to me" and remember back to when my first boss said the secret to being a success in this business is that every time you close a loan, you need to put 2 more into the system!
I can't vouch for any of the above but just thought I would share with you.
I will be off the net for the next 3 or 4 days as they operate on me again tomorrow at 9:45. This operation will take about 10 hours and will give me the ability to eat again. It will take about 2 weeks before I can have soups and such and about 3 months before I can have a steak. Considering that the last real meal I had was a MacDonald's qtr pounder with Cheese on Oct 12th 2006, damn near any thing will taste fantastic. I have a Treo 650 and in the memo book on my phone I have recopies that I want to try and my menu for the first week I can eat whatever I want.
If you think about it tomorrow please send a thought or prayer my way as they will all be appreciated, needed and cherished. Please Pray for my wife as this is much harder on her than on me.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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