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10.25.2007 Our Most Momentous Day!

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

Posted by Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro on 10/27/2007 05:09 PM

Comments (77)

77 Comments on 10.25.2007 Our Most Momentous Day!

OCT

2007

Linda - This is simply the most beautiful and poignant thing that I have ever read. I didn't know Bruce as well as many others here, but I know that he is a wonderful man. I spoke with my wife tonight about him. Thanks for allowing us to share in this time of transition for your family. This is the type of passing that we all pray for during our lives.

God Bless you all in this time. He became a friend and mentor to me on Active Rain. I know he touched many lives. Al-tough he will be missed here on this earth I truly believe he is singing with the angels. He was blessed with a wonderful family. He loved you very much and his love will continue to shine through you.

Let us know the day you choose to celebrate his life with AR members.

Linda- my heart and prayers are with you.

Linda, I have no words. Not right at the moment. What I do have is a heart filled with the memories of Bruce, his kindness, his gentleness and his willingness to help others. My thoughts and prayers and hugs to you and your family and friends.

Linda, my thoughts are with you. Bruce and his wonderful spirit will be missed here on Active Rain.

I join in the chorus of offering my prayers and thoughts. Bruce lighted up tons of imaginary rooms on Active Rain and touched many people.

I know how hard it was for you to write to us at this time. You and your family are in our prayers.

Dang, Linda -- that was just beautiful. You and Bruce, BOTH so special!! I will join you for hot dog day to celebrate Bruce's life.

I was telling my husband last night, and I told him the story of how you two met. Your love endures and is even talked about all the way over here in West Virginia. I know I'm not the only one, I bet people all over the place were telling good stories about Bruce's life and what he meant to them.

You are an inspiration, as Bruce continues to be. Thank you, both, for sharing the love I felt all the way over here.

God bless you Linda, thanks for coming here and sharing with us. Bruce was quite a gentleman and will be missed by so many here.

What an incredible inspiration both you and Bruce are. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us here on Active Rain. Bruce will be missed and always remembered!

Your loving words shows the love you had. I can only imagine how sad this day is for you. Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry for your loss.

Linda and family,

Thank you for sharing these final hours of Bruce's time here on earth with us. He was truly a very special man and Sarah is right.....stories of Bruce were being told everywhere yesterday. I shared my own story of my caring and sadness over Bruce's passing with one of my dearest and oldest friends yesterday by phone and he was able to tell by my words how very special Bruce was and how he has touched so many.

I don't feel Bruce has left us...I feel he has transformed into a being of pure light now and will continue to watch over everyone and guide them in the ways he best knows how.

Love to all of you, and strength as you go through the grieving process

Linda,

As I mentioned earlier...I only knew Bruce a short time. He was kind enough to send me a thank you email. This is not the end of his life. It is the beginning of his new journey. He will be looking down on you and your family and he can now enjoy all the hot dogs he wants. He can speak and he can love. I felt him looking down at me even though we never met. I thank him for being a part of my life even though it was a short time...I will forever remember what he said to me.....my condolences to you and your family. Tonight...I will be celebrating with a beer for him!

Neal

Linda & Family-

I am so sorry for your loss. I truly believe that the people we love so much in life are with us forever. Your family has one special person taking care of them from the other side.

Thanks for sharing such an intimate time with all of us. May God bless you and your family.

Laura

Linda, Thank you for sharing with us Bruce's last hours. I always looked forward to his posts, I'll miss them, I miss him. Please don't be a stranger to us, you are part of our family now.

Linda, This planet was too small to contain Bruce. He needed more space so God brought him home and gave it to him. Truly an inspiration, both of you. Thank you for this gift.

Linda and Family-My heart and prayers go out to your family. Between the tears are smiles..you are right to toast to celebrate his life. God Bless you and your family....Bruce is looking down and smiling.

Linda and all of Bruce's Family--What a wonderful heartfelt update and tribute to a much loved man. Thank you for sharing. Bruce will be missed but will remain in our thoughts and hearts.

As always, may God continue to bless and cherish you.

Linda,

Your husband was an encouragement to me when I joined Active Rain, and I've followed your story all summer. Much love to all of you, and we'll look for the hot dog date!

Mike in Tucson

Linda:

Thank you for the lovely comment on my post as well and the talk we had. I really appreciate that. Will talk to you soon.

Love,

Sally

Linda:

You and your family will remain in my prayers. Bruce was a great man who I have known through ActiveRain. I am saddened by his passing and please accept my condolences to you and your family.

P.S. Linda: I am posting your updated info on the service etc. that you wrote in my post so others here may see and possibly have more info. I know Lysa is trying to contact.

PS - Initial plans for B is funeral mass on Friday, Nov 16th (time delay is needed for family on mainland to make travel plans) at 10AM, Immaculate Conception Church, 91-1298 Renton Rd, Ewa, HI 96706, an old Hawaiian style church we attend. Punchbowl military honors and scattering of ashes pending. I will post his obit in both local papers soon and in San Antonio papers. We welcome fHawaiian flowers for his service, but we also want to offer donations to a special fund for education/scholarship for children that havel ost a mother/father in the on going Iraqi war. If anyone can tell me how to contact this foundation or have the specific name and contact info it will be greatly appreciated

Linda- Yes, it does sound like Bruce and God had their own plan....It sounds like you and Bruce were at peace with the moment, and this will make it easier to continue moving towards celebration of his life instead of staying in the grieving process for long.

I will be looking forward to our "Hot Dog" day........

Linda, I have a email address and name of a contact for the fund you would like to set up and will email them to both your email and Bruces. Aloha my friend

Linda. Thank you for taking the time. You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers as well.

Linda

We truly love and appreciate the transparency of your family....those of us with a scant 5 or 10 years of marriage can learn from the strength and passion that both of you exhibited in all you do....

Our prayers to you during this time of transition. Bruce will remain in our minds and our hearts.

Linda,

Well I just got off the phone with Sally...I told her I needed to call her so she can tell you I just had a foot long with spice mustard and sauerkraut. Although I am now bloated...I could tell Bruce was laughing at me struggling to finish it. I really didn't realize until I ordered that I said I was having it for him.

Linda: Neal burped too. :)

I am so self absorbed right now. It sucks that he is gone.

His death is my lost because I never got to sing a song he requested we sing after his sugery. I had a short time of interaction with him. I connected with Bruce on Active Rain when he annouced his surgery just 2 months back. This guy must have been a delight to hang with in person. He had to be because over this impersonal thing we call the internet, he oozed personality that touched me deep inside. Funny, I just realized I have "loved" a stranger, someone I had never even laid eyes on.

I am envious of those who have had the pleasure of meeting him and having more time with him. . .What a guy!

Linda,

Please accept my deepest condolences on Bruce's passing. His gentleness and wit came through very clearly on his blog and his interaction with the members. I was looking forward to the day he was going to celebrate by eating hotdogs again, but now I'll be remembering him whenever I have one. He was such a joy to be around with and I can only imagine what it must be like to be a family member. Thank you for sharing this sad news with us. It is not only your loss but this community as well.

Sincerely,

Yolanda

Linda, Bruce and I had tentatively set the date for our Hot Dog Celebration of his recovery. Below is his reply when I asked him if we were going to be having Hot Dogs on Thanksgiving Day instead of Turkey.

"HI All and thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers and concerns. You have no Idea how much they have been adn continue to be appreciated. Because I have no true idea when I will be out of here how about we set aside the week after Christmas (maybe the 30th) as the join Bruce for a hot dog day. With so many of you expresswing support I can surly wait until then. Just let me know. Aloha and much Love Bruce"

10/02/2007

by Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro

So in keeping with his plans, why don't we designate December 30th as Join Bruce for a Hot Dog Day here on Active Rain. I'll discuss it with Trish and perhaps we can plan something here in San Antonio too.

Love,

Judi

Thoughts and prayers from here to you there.

Linda- I'm so sorry to hear about Bruce.. I only knew him briefly through his blog but loved his sense of humor..

Dear Linda and Family,

May God Bless you and give you peace.

Dear Linda and loved ones,

Your comentary brought tears to my eyes, how beautiful. Thank you for sharing this and Bruce with all of us. And I'll just wait until the time is right for that hot dog.

Prayers to you and your family. Bruce always was a help on the rain and so encouraging. His advice will live on with all of us. Thank you for sharing your loss, God Bless you

Ct was touched by Bruce.

Linda I am speechless. Thank you for taking the time to let us know. You and your family are in my prayers. Bruce was an inspiration, an encouragement, and a definite bright light here at AR. He will really be missed.

I really didn't know Bruce because I just got started on this blog. It looks like he was a great guy. Looking at all the responses here, what a great tribute that he could have such a great impact on people's lives.

What a lovely and profound testimonial. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Linda,

We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We were hoping you both would be able to have an anniversary celebration on our beach where you were married. Our world has lost a good man with a loving heart.

Bless you and yours,

Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt, Realtors, Prudential GHP, beautiful Ocean Shores, WA

Linda, thank you so much for taking time away from your sorrow to share these thoughts with us. We hope Bruce has a wonderful start in his life beyond. May you have peace and comfort and know that you shared a very special life with Bruce.

Aloha!

Linda, Bruce was fortunate to have someone as special as you! It is comforting to know that he was surrounded by family and friends. He touched many lives and will be missed.

Linda - my heart is so sad for you, and we're so appreciative of you being able to write this post for us.

Many thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Ann

Linda - my sincere condolences to you and your family. Today I was fortunate to experience a local school coming together for a cancer walk in Miami Shores with the goal of raising $50,000 to go towards cancer research. They raised over $110,000! One of their seniors (just 17 years old) lost his leg to cancer last week.

You and Bruce will be in out prayers, thanks for sharing.

Linda - we are all sorry for your loss, and Bruce remains with you always out there in the stars.

Dear Linda,

Thank you for the beautiful story and my prayers and thoughts are with you. You and Bruce are a great testimony for the Lord!

I am so sorry. My prayers are with his family and friends!

Linda -- it looks like Bruce is certainly in a safe place in the hands of God. He has touched so many lives and made this world a better place. May you and your family find comfort in memories of times together.

Linda - your loss is great, but we are all feeling a great loss also. May Bruce live forever in your hearts and guide you with the kind of gentle heart he always expressed. My prayers are with you, Bruce and your family.

Linda - thoughts and prayers are with your and you family. You wrote a lovely piece and what a peaceful visual your provided - a champaign toast on a bright full moon night in Hawaii.

Dear Linda, we will miss Bruce's witty, warm posts. Big hug to you and your family, and thank you so much for your beautiful story of his passing.

Linda and family -- My thoughts and prayers are with you.

OCT

2007

Linda-That was so beautifully written and we are releived to know that Bruce was sent off with all of that love and energy by his side. I also want to pass along the condolences of the current 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment Commander, Lietuenant Colonel Joe Gleichenhaus. He wants you to know that if you would like anything from the battalion such as a Battalion Coin, mug or other paraphenalia, he would be happy to get it for you. He also mentioned that he might be able to find a picture of Bruce when he was the Battalion Commander during Bruces Vietnam years. Aloha Linda. My phone is always on.

OMG Linda, I just read the earlier post and left comments wishing him well. I am so sorry to hear this. He maintained his sense of humor and dignity to the end and for that I am pleased. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have come to know Bruce though his witty and insightful post here. While I have never met or spoke with him I feel I know the man well through his words here. Thanks for keeping us informed.

I know the challenges of the coming days will test your metal but please know that there is always purpose and reason to everything and even though we may not see it at the time that there is greater wisdom at work all around us. Life is but a temporary state but love is eternal.

Let the love be your guide and companion through the days to come.

Blessings to you and your family.

OMG this is very sad. Had been reading his posts and thought we knew him.Our thoughts are with you and all your family. Definitely we will have a hot dog on the special day you decide.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce impacted and inspired many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Linda, our prayers are with you and your family.

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!

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!!

=-)

Linda,thank you for sharing, our prayers are with you and your family.

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

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

OCT

2007

Linda,

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

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...

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.

NOV

2007

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

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

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.

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!

NOV

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

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