Francis Gerald Bourque “Gerry”
Francis Gerald Bourque, beloved husband, father, son and grandfather, passed away Tuesday morning, June 9, 2015 at age 76 at Houston Hospice with his family by his side. Gerald, or “Book” as he was nicknamed, was born in Kaplan, Louisiana on September 17, 1938, the loving child of Clenes and Mazie Bourque. After graduating with honors from Kaplan High School and attending Boys State in 1956, he received a scholarship to Louisiana State University, where his passion for LSU sports began. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1960 and fulfilled his ROTC requirement in the US Army as a First Lieutenant in Aberdeen, Maryland.
In December, 1962, Gerald married his lifelong friend and high school sweetheart, Margaret Fabre, and moved to Huntsville, Alabama. While in Huntsville, he was employed as an aeronautical engineer with The Boeing Company, one of the lead contractors developing the Saturn V rocket used in NASA’s Apollo missions. During this time he also attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville earning a Master of Science in Engineering. He was named to the Apollo/Saturn V Roll of Honor by Boeing as one of its best engineers and a distinguished participant in the first U.S. Manned Lunar Landing (Apollo XI), as recorded in the Smithsonian Institution Library of Congress.
As the NASA space program grew, Gerald took a position with defense contractor TRW’s aerospace division at NASA and moved the family to Houston. He eventually moved out of aerospace and into technical sales and in 1983, out of his passion for the industry, formed his own electronic manufacturers’ representation business, Abcor Systems, Inc., from which he eventually retired.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Margaret Fabre Bourque, who resides in Clear Lake City. He is also survived by his daughter, Deborah Bourque Crow, of Houston, and her husband, David William Crow, and their three children Kendall, Phoebe and Brayden; his son, Michael Jude Bourque , of Dallas and his wife, Ashlynn Barton Bourque, and their two sons, Cameron and Kyle; and his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Walters of Denver, CO and her husband, Kevin Neal Walters.
The family will receive friends and family from 6-8pm, Friday, June 12, 2015, including a vigil service beginning at 7pm at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real in Houston, TX 77062. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2015 also at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. A lunch reception will follow in the church’s Parish Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Zeev Estrov, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center
ATTN: Dr. Estrov’s Research Fund
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030-4009
Mr Bourque was such a good, kind, calming influence during my teenage years. He is one of the finest people i have had the pleasrue to know. Mrs. Bourque, Mike, Debbie and Sarah, i am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your husband/father with great fondness.
I heard of Gerry’s death and even though we haven’t seen each other in many years I remember “Book” as being so much fun to be with. His love for the cartoons, playing cards at my house and other times we were all together. Margaret, Richard and I will be praying for you and your family and may God bless you with His Grace as you go through this time of mourning. Annette (Simon) Ledet, Lafayette, LA
Thinking of you all and praying for your family.
Margaret, I am sorry I missed Jerry funeral. He was the most honest man I have ever met in my life. I had the pleasure of being his business partner in ABCOR Systems for 10 years and the bonus of finding out he was my 10th generation cousin. He will be missed but remember in my heart and mind forever.
Margaret, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was always so much fun to be around. He was the one always laughing and joking and trying to make everyone else smile. We will always fondly remember the great times we had playing golf with you both at Bay Oaks and Baywood Country Clubs. Our prayers are for you and your family during this most difficult time.
With our sincere condolences,
Roy and Patti Kessmann
Jerry was a founding member of the OrCAD USA sales family and helped develop key policies, procedures and culture that resulted in the company becoming the world’s leader in PC based CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) software tools in just 3 years. His easy gentleman style, unwavering honest approach to business and commitment to excellence set the tone and tenner that inspired all who had the privilege of working with him. He will forever be remembered and honored by me and all who worked with him at OrCAD.
Peter LoCascio, Co-Founder, VP marketing & Sales, OrCAD.
I remember Gerry from my time working with him while he was selling/supporting OrCAD software. I had many pleasant phone calls and trade show interactions with him and observed first hand his dedication to making sure his customers were treated with honesty & respect. It was a privilege to know Gerry & to work with him.
John Hughes
OrCAD Techical Support Team 1988-1992
I learned so much from Gerry when I briefly worked with him, at DMA in Houston, TX. He was always fair, forthright and as the cliché goes, “The real Deal”. I will miss him dearly. Whenever we talked his sense of humor was infectious. May he be enjoying his true peace and happiness.
God Bless him and his family
Harry Rundall-Parkville, MD.
I simply couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info an individual supply on your guests?
Is gonna be again steadily to investigate cross-check new posts
Also visit my blog post :: koh Samui muay thai kicks
One of my best friends from high school and one of the best persons I’ve ever known. I just found out about “Book’s” death and am so sorry for Margaret and his family. He is missed.