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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BOURDAGE, John Robert (Bob) - was born on October 6, 1946, in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, was the beloved son of Gerald Bourdage and Elisabeth Bertin. He was the eldest of five siblings—Gerry, Linda, Claude, Claudette, and Monique. As a young man, he cherished time spent scouting, fishing and hunting with his father.
At the age of 16, John left home to begin his own journey. He moved to Toronto, where he worked a variety of odd jobs before walking past a recruitment office in 1966. Following in the footsteps of his father, a Royal Canadian Navy veteran of the Second World War and a Merchant Marine, John enlisted in the RCN. This decision began a distinguished 37-year career. His first posting was aboard HMCS Bonaventure, Canada's last aircraft carrier, where he bunked just beneath the flight deck.
During his service, John's life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Raymonde Houle, in Quebec while on a refit posting. Introduced on a blind date in 1971, he charmed her—famously by giving her chips at a poker game so she could keep playing despite her "luck." They married in Trois Rivieres, Quebec in 1972 and built a devoted partnership spanning more than five decades.
Together, they welcomed three sons: their first in 1973, followed by another in 1975, and their third in 1977.
John's naval career took his family across Canada multiple times, with postings on both coasts as well as in Quebec and Ontario, before finally settling in Victoria and Langford in 1990. His career highlights included service as a proud Stocker on 14 Royal Canadian Navy vessels, participation in the RCN Naval Tattoo in 1967, operations around the world, and deployment during the Gulf War. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class, he concluded his service as Chief of Fleet School in Esquimalt. Among his many honours, he received the Order of Military Merit in 2002.
Following his retirement in 2003, John continued his lifelong commitment to service through the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 in Langford. A fixture at Legion events, he could be found as Master of Arms leading the colour party, or behind the grill showing off his barbecue skills at community gatherings.
Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He lived his life in service to others, always putting the needs of his family, friends, and community before his own. Away from the Legion, he was equally well-known as a friendly presence around Langford, sitting with his Tim Hortons friends, or greeting members of the community on his daily walks with his dogs, Hunter, Yuma and Toby.
John passed away peacefully on August 11, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his cherished wife Raymonde, three sons, a daughter, five grandchildren, and an immeasurable circle of friends and comrades who will carry his memory forward.
We welcome all who wish to honour John's memory to his Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 14, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Langford Legion. (Today in BC)
Ships served in: HMCS SASKATCHEWAN - Served in SASKATCHEWAN in 1982 CFRC MONTREAL 201 CFTSD SOREL, QUEBEC (HURON / IROQUOIS) 201 CFTSD PORT WELLER, ONTARIO (NIPIGON) CFFS ESQUIMALT CFQAR Victoria Detachment PMC Chiefs and Petty Officers Mess
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