Obituary of Dennis Anthony Francis Bourque
Dennis Anthony Francis Bourque passed away at the Red Deer Hospice due to cancer on Tuesday August 8, 2023 at the age of 74 years, one week shy of his 75th birthday. Dennis was born in Red Deer, Alberta in August of 1948. He was raised on the family dairy farm east of Red Deer with siblings Lorraine, James (Jim), Ralph, Terrence (Terry), Michael and Neil. Dennis received his education in Red Deer at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School.
Over the years he held varying jobs but was mostly known as a Horse Whisperer and was given the title “Cowboy” by his many friends. He held a love and compassion for all horses and loved breaking and training them. And although he did not have a formal education, he was a great mechanic and could repair any piece of equipment or vehicle. Dennis was truly a jack of all trades…truck driver, Heavy Equipment Operator, Site Supervisor and Laborer. He was commonly referred to as the “Man to run the place”.
On December 12, 1968, Dennis married Heather Smith in Red Deer and they had two sons, Joedon (Jody) Arthur, born May 9, 1971 and Adam Francis, born Jan. 23, 1974. Dennis is survived by his sons Joedon (Jody) Bourque/Pyper; Adam Francis Bourque Pyper; Jessy Bourque; brothers Ralph; Mike (Heather), Neil (Janice); granddaughter Julia Dagg; great grandson Devon Dagg and Jody & Adam’s mom – Heather. Dennis is also survived by a niece, Royal Bourque who was very instrumental in bringing the family together as well as a good friend – Teisha; numerous nieces; nephews; extended family member and friends.
Dennis was predeceased by his father Joseph John on May 18, 1968; mother Margaret Neva (Whiteside) on Aug. 28, 1998; infant brother Ronald in 1931; sister Patricia in 1951; sister in law Marjorie Bourque in 1998; brothers Jim in 2020, Terry in 2020 and sister in law Etheline (Wee) Bourque in 2021.
At Dennis’s request no formal service will be held. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at the Red Deer Hospice Society for their incredible care and compassion shown to their dad / brother.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 – Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta. T4R 3S6.
Condolences to Dennis’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Bourque” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944