Lawrence Bourgeois

Lawrence (Larry) Bourgeois died peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, in Courtenay, British Columbia, at the age of 93.

Born at home on May 4, 1932, in Kippens, Newfoundland, to Peter and Maggie Bourgeois, Larry was one of six siblings. As a teenager, he struck out on his own to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as an aircraft mechanic with postings in Europe and Africa.

He was stationed at CFB Greenwood when he met Iris Snyder. They were married in 1961 in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, and soon settled into the rhythm of military life. After a short posting at CFB Shearwater, they moved to CFB Comox, where they raised two sons and made a home together for nearly 50 years.

Larry had a long career as an aircraft mechanic, first with the military and later as a civilian, a trade he loved and in which he was well respected. Known for his easy manner and readiness to help, he could gap a spark plug with his fingernail and crawl into the tiniest compartments, bringing care, precision, and pride to every job.

Larry enjoyed many good years in the Comox Valley, where he loved camping, fishing, hunting, and listening to country music. He could fix just about anything, played a mean fiddle, and could count any cribbage hand instantly.

Sharp as a tack until the end, Larry was predeceased by his wife, Iris, and his sisters Jeannette, Libby, Norma, and Helen. He is survived by his brother, Francis; his sons, Blake and Peter (Sylvia); his grandsons, Ben and Jacob; and by the many friends at Berwick Comox.

There will be no service at Larry’s request. Those wishing to pay tribute may donate to a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.