Art Bourgeault

January 27, 1947 – June 9, 2026

Frisco, Texas (formerly Swan River, Manitoba)

John Arthur Bourgeault, known to many as Art, passed away after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer on June 9, 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Born in Watrous, Saskatchewan, Art was the son of Joseph and Alexina Bourgeault. He carried deep pride in his namesake—his uncle, John Arthur Bourgeault, a Royal Canadian Air Force Bomber Pilot Officer who was tragically lost in action over Germany in April 1944.

Art’s life was defined by dedication to family, community, and the Credit Union system across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He held leadership roles in the communities of Val Marie, Morse St. Gregor, Cut Knife, Wilkie, and Swan River, and served as Past President of the Credit Union Managers’ Association of Manitoba. His contributions included service on Credit Union Central committees, notably the Technology Steering Committee and the Operations Manual Committee, where he helped shape financial management procedures and data systems for Manitoba credit unions.

Locally, Art was instrumental in strengthening the Swan Valley Credit Union’s equity base during challenging times, enabling the creation of a Member Equity program tailored to the community. He also championed democratic reforms to increase member participation in governance to help build the strong organization it is today, which makes ongoing meaningful contributions to the community on a daily basis.

Art’s community spirit extended far beyond finance. He was a proud Rotarian, serving as Past President of the Rotary Club of Swan River during its 50th anniversary and chairing the committee that built the Rotary Pathway to Active Living. As Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Frisco, Texas, he led humanitarian missions to Nicaragua, installing water and sanitation systems in elementary schools.

He was also active in the Swan River Golf and Country Club as a member, director, and volunteer treasurer, contributing to its expansion to 18 holes. He served as a director and Joint-Treasurer for Swan River Minor Hockey. His civic involvement included a term as Trustee of the Swan Valley School Division during the introduction of French Immersion, where he stood firmly for thoughtful progress and innovation.

Art’s legacy includes imaginative community projects such as the construction of the World’s Largest Tomahawk in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, and the founding of the Wilkie Theatre Cooperative, which preserved local cinema for years after closing of the local theatre.

Art married Kathy August 6, 2005. Art and Kathy traveled around the world throughout their 20-year marriage. They visited every continent except Antarctica, spending summers in Art’s Swan River hometown. When not traveling you could find them on numerous golf courses in both Canada and the US.

Art is survived by his wife Kathy Bourgeault, his children, Michael Bourgeault (Dawn) of Stamford, CT, and Loren Heider (Rudi) of Vancouver, BC; grandchildren Meghan Forgeron (Halifax, NS), Emma Bourgeault (Kelowna, BC), and Evan Bourgeault (Stamford, CT); and great-grandchildren Henry and William Forgeron (Halifax, NS). He is also survived by his sisters Joanne Laird (Saskatoon, SK) and Jennie Lynn Thomas (Lillington, NC).

Art was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Alexina Bourgeault, his siblings Ron and Bill Bourgeault and his first wife Donna Bourgeault (nee Habermehl 1948-1996).

In accordance with Art’s wishes, there will be no public service. In

lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Swan Valley Community Foundation or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org).

Art Bourgeault will be remembered for his integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to doing things better—for his family, his community, and the world around him.

Gone but not forgotten.