I will always remember my distant collègue Roger who I met for the first time on a trade-off between seniors from different departments on a VIA “get to know the other departments” initiative. He came to the Montreal call center in the mid 1990s and his reaction is still quite memorable!
Years later, I corresponded with him frequently for work. Roger was always ready, and pleasantly hilarious as we over the years developed a humour and understanding of what needed to be done, the task usually dressed -up in a telephone call including the regular “Jan and Roger” deviation to lighten the load of the required tasks, then they got done.
Roger was awesome, knowledgeable and involved both for work and forging ties offering an approach to achieving the goal without stressing everyone out I felt. I really miss getting him on the horn when I call Ottawa station. We miss you!

My condolences
Prayers to the families  
Rest Peacefully.Roger 
In Solidarity 
G Gary Gray

Roger made my train trips memorable. We were supposed to gossip about our  respective summer Cuban trips in September. Evelyn, I am so sorry for your loss, Roger was such a lovely man.
I wrote to Via and asked that his photograph be placed in the Business lounge. It was there today. 

Sabine

My condolences to Rogers family in this difficult time of loss and grief

My sincere condolences to Roger’s family. Over the past 12 years I have taken Via Rail regularly, and seeing Roger was a highlight of my weekly trips (he even sometimes let me sneak into the business lounge when I was trying economy ;) I didn’t know him well but his kindness and warmth left a mark. I will miss joking with him when I pass through the Ottawa train station.

Dear Evelyn, family, friends and colleagues of Roger,

I’m saddened to hear about his passing, my sincere condolences to all of you. 
I had the pleasure of working with Roger for 20 years, he was such a hard worker who knew how to run his shop (has he used to say it)
May his soul rest in peace.

RIP Roger
Sending prayers to Family and friends
Roger was a out going guy
Played on same hockey team with him Was a Great goal tender
always had that same smile
He will be missed
RIP My old friend
God Bless you all

I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Roger. I always enjoyed my coffee and chats with him. I learned lots. He was a real down to earth straight forward person. He loved music, the classics,  travelling and his dear Evelyn. 
He was kind to animals and always wanted the best for people. He could be stubborn if he believed he was right…don’t we all do that?
I will miss him and our conversations. 
He was so young and was looking forward to exploring and enjoying life.
Rest in peace Roger.
I miss you already 💕😁 😢

Our condolences Evelyn, Roger was a great friend to everyone and a special one to me. We shared some good times over the years.  He loved getting together with the boys up at the cottage and we loved being there with him. He will be missed dearly.

My condolences to all the staff at the Ottawa station and beyond to everyone who know Roger. I met Roger in the mid 1990s at the Montréal TSO, and subsequently spoke with him by telephone a few times a week for the last decade or two. He is a wonderful trustworthy guy with a fun sense of humour and is always conversational while devoted to the task. I will miss him immensely. His contribution to VIA, and smooth enthusiasm was infectious

Roger, thank you for everything. 

From saving kittens, to introducing George to trains, to our numerous conversations about concerts and music. And also for not strangling me when I called you Sunshine on grumpy days, sometimes you even giggled. You will always have a special place in heart. 

Evelyn and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Kim

Roger, thank you for everything. From saving kittens, to introducing George to trains, to our numerous conversations about concerts and music. And also for not strangling me when I called you Sunshine on grumpy days, sometimes you even giggled. You will always have a special place in heart. It's hard to believe you are gone. Evelyn and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Kim

It is difficult to accept the fact that a man like Roger, so full of life, is no longer with us.
His passion for the things he cared about was very clear. You would never have to guess how Roger was feeling, like it or not, he’d  straight up tell you!  He had great humor, love of sports, music and travel. He had an ability to tell a good story like the one about a work experience with a black bear in Banff. We stayed in touch bit after I retired and we talked about getting together to see if we could find a song we could play together on harmonica & guitar, sadly this will now not happen. In the many years that we had known each other  I have never seen him more happier than after he met his dear Evelyn. Evelyn, please know that you rocked his world, you made his life full and special, so very sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to all of Roger’s family and friends.

Je te souhaite un dernier beau voyage Roger ! Ton départ soudain est vraiment un choc. J’aimerais offrir mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Roger He was not only a dear co-worker but a cherished friend, and we shared 24 years of working together, creating countless memories.

His passing has left an unfillable void, and the shock of this loss is difficult to comprehend. He was more than a colleague; he was a part of our work family.

Know that my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. 

With heartfelt sympathy,
Julie

C'est avec une profonde tristesse et choc que j'ai appris le décès de mon collègue Roger. Je tiens à vous offrir mes plus sincères condoléances dans cette période difficile.

Roger était un pilier de Via. Il va nous manquer terriblement.

Our deepest condoleances to his wife Evelyn, families and friends.
 I keep great souvenirs of working together in Ottawa.  Roger was a dedicated worker. Rest In Peace my friend Rogggg....
Bonne santé à tous !
Lise et Paul Garneau
Saint Hyacinthe

till next time on the other side...
RIP Brother...
Darren Coleman,  Always Your Defenceman, & Good Friend

Our last beer together brother...
Cheers..🥃🥃🥃

My sincere condolences go out to Evelyn and the Bourque family.Roger was a beloved friend of mine since childhood and we shared many fond memories together throughout the years,he will be very sadly missed for his loyal friendship as he always kept in touch when visiting his hometown of Moncton whether it be by text or a phone call we remained very close.                        May you rest in peace my friend 🙏

OBITUARY

Roger Alfred Bourque

April 26, 1960 – September 17, 2023

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel

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