Everyone:

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.

All our love and Alohas,

Linda & Family

posted by Linda Bourgault

 

77 Comments on 10.25.2007 Our Most Momentous Day!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
28
2007
209,265 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Linda,

I am sorry for your loss but very grateful for the blessing that you received in being able to share his final moments on earth with you!

May God's Holy Spirit continue to comfort you in this time.

Lucky :)

6:11am • #58

Linda and Family - You are blessed with beauty, courage and love.  I've been waiting for news of Bruce's recovery, this is not what I expected.  I didn't know Bruce till his MUSE post but I fell for him immediately.  My heart is very sad right now and I can only say thank you for sharing this amazing story with us.  I don't think I'll wait till Dec. 30th, it feels like a hot dog kinda day today - for breakfast!

Please accept sincere condolences, take comfort in all the love and respect emanating from ActiveRain, and I hope the road ahead is made easier by the inspiration we all are sharing.  Peace and love.

7:30am • #59
824,211 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I "discovered" Bruce on ActiveRain a few months ago, and enjoyed getting to know him through his writing.  He will be missed even by many who barely knew him, as well as those who knew him well.  My prayers are with you.
9:00am • #60
407,426 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Linda - thank you for sharing and know you are in our thoughts and we look forward to honoring Bruce with "hot dog" and "beer" day - We will celebrate him and the muse he was for us.   
10:05am • #61
284,851 Points 37 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Linda, I didn't get to know Bruce on AR and I feel I truly missed knowing a very special man.  Thank you for sharing with us about his strength and grace. 
10:09am • #62
1 Featured Post
May his memories sustain you. I know he loved AR. Even while he was in the hospital he posted and posted. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this sad time. We will miss his presence in our community.
10:24am • #63
278,454 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Linda, our prayers are with you and your family.
10:38am • #64
1,375,544 Points 151 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Linda thank you for sharing this with us and a big thank you to David for keeping us posted.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Bruce's writing definitely touched me!
11:03am • #65
455,281 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bruce,

I lost every single family member I have so far with them being in a different room or far far away.....

The passing of a Saint is precious in Gods eyes.....

I am glad the Lord and he had other plans and were able to make things so memorable for you!

The joy of the Lord is our strength!

May God continue to be with you, my friend!!

=-)

3:13pm • #66
Linda,thank you for sharing, our prayers are with you and your family.
3:57pm • #67
155,783 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Linda-Here is the mailing address that I left on your phone.  After checking out several places on line to include various veterans organizations, Children of the Fallen and Patriot Guard, this one seems to fit perfectly for what Bruce had desired.  All of the donations to this organization go specifically to the children who had a parent killed in the war on terror.  The fund was established in 2003.

Armed Forces Children's Education Fund, Inc. (AFCEF, Inc.)
P.O. Box 44524
Washington, DC 20026-4524

4:34pm • #68
Linda Thank you for sharing your heart.  It moved me deeply.  I can remember when my brother passed from cancer.  It was a very spiritual moment.  He had stuggled to stay alive after being given only 3 months to live.  He valiantly fought for 11 months to stay alive.  The time before he died was a time of reading scripture and believing that God had a plan even in this horrible event.  It was days of being with family.  In fact, we took 24 hr shifts because he didn't want to die alone.  I was privileged to be in the room when Edge passed.  I felt like I could hear his spirit say, "I'm free, I'm free.  Thank God Almighty I'm finally free!"  He was free from a body that had imprisoned him with cancer and pain.  I was happy for him and sad at the same time.  That was almost 28 years ago.  It still is powerful to me.   I didn't know your husband but I do know this--God has a purpose and a plan for our lives.  Great are His purposes and mighty are His deeds!  Gina Gulliford, Columbia, MD    
6:42pm • #69
OCT
29
2007
597,781 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Linda,

I echo the sentiments of the others here...our prayers are with you and your family! Thanks,   Fran

6:35am • #70
6 Featured Posts
Linda - your post brought tears of sadness and joy to my heart.  I will pray for you and your family.  Your love for each other is palpable.  I am at a loss for words.  God Bless you...
10:19am • #71
178,659 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dear Linda, words can't describe the sadness I feel for this terrible loss.  I didn't know Bruce very well, but have seen his posts.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.  THank you also for the most beautiful post. 

11:05am • #72
NOV
01
2007
Localism Sponsor

My heart AND PRAYERS are with you and your family. No other words seem to come at this moment. God Bless from Paradise,Texas.

9:15am • #73
258,293 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dear Linda, My heart goes out to you.  I have lost a husband to cancer also. The days ahead will be lonely and tough, but I know God will give you the strength to walk this path.

God bless you and  your family,

Ginger 

12:49pm • #74
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Linda,
I am so overcome with emotion after reading this--it is beautiful.  Bruce was so supportive and kind to me here on AR and I counted him a friend.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.  
2:08pm • #75
2 Featured Posts

Linda,

I agree with all the other commentors -- what a beautiful post and tribute to Bruce. Thanks to Active Rain I met Bruce. What a great man with positive attitude and wit! My heart goes out to your family. I am so fortunate to have met him, and you, through these forums.

Thoughts and prayers are with you now and in future months. I'll be here in Michigan having a hot dog and a beer to honor Bruce! 

9:33pm • #76
NOV
02
2007

Linda, to find such joy and peace in a time of sorrow...is to truly live. We celebrate Bruce's entrance into new Life with you! You are blessed and loved!

Brian Wilson, Zolve.com

Brian Wilson
4:46pm • #77

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Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro

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