WEAVERVILLE, CA – Thomas Emery Bourgoine of Weaverville, CA, was 86 years old. Thomas died after a long illness on April 12, 2018, peacefully with family by his side, at Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Bakersfield, CA. He was born in Limestone, Maine or March 7, 1932. The oldest son of John B. and Lillian Cote Bourgoine. He graduated from Caribou High School in 1951. He enlisted in National Guard in the 152nd CRC Engineer Battalion and part of the 103rd Combat team for 5 years.
Tom moved to California in 1965. He was a Master Automotive Mechanic for over 40 years, he could fix about anything. After he retired he purchased a mountain in Northern California where he was an avid outdoors man, a lover of woods and nature, fishing and hunting. Two of his passions were photography and collecting precious stones. Tom taught lapidary skills and jewelry making. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories.
He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters Geraldine Morrow and Mariel Dewkett.
He will be missed by his ten children: Linda Campbell, Le Roy in Utah, Darlene Beecher, Mary Murphy, Donna Karlin, Carolyn and husband Donald Pedro in OR. Avon, Jeffery and wife Debra in WI. Christopher and wife Dana, Gloria and husband Wes McMackin. All others live in CA.
Two brothers, John and Brenda of Caribou, ME, Peter and wife Lorraine of Madawaska Lake, ME. Five sisters, Agnes and Charles Sczuroski, Lauretta and Orman Blackstone both of Caribou, ME, Joyce and Bob Kohler of Austel, GA, Valada Delaney of Stockholm, ME, Vickie and husband David St. Peter of Florida and Madawaska Lake, ME.
Tom was blessed with ten children, 30 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, scattered throughout the United States.
A service was held April 20, 2018, Weaver Hughes Mortuary, Yucaipa, CA. His ashes will be scattered over his beloved Mountain with family present, at a later date.