Rod BOURASSA

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BOURASSA: The death of Rod Bourassa, beloved husband of Susie occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Rod was born in Winnipegosis on January 16, 1942. He spent his early years in Reedy Creek and Camperville and upon the deaths of both parents he went to live in Kinisota. While there, he lived on a farm where he developed a strong work ethic. Upon completing school, he moved to Winnipeg to attend M.I.T. There he obtained his Journeyman's electrician license. Rod worked throughout Manitoba on a wide variety of jobs including the pipeline, dams and shut downs. He was a longtime member of the I.B.E.W. L.U. 2085 except for a brief period when he had his own business. He was a mentor to many apprentices and made sure they learned their craft the right way. "All the screws on the plates and plugs are at 2:00 o'clock". His greatest achievement was his family. Rod was so very proud of them and all their accomplishments. He had an ability to blend a very large family. The guitar was his biggest passion and he would play and sing for anyone who asked him. Everyone had a favorite song and at every get-together he would play that song, sometimes more than once whether he wanted to or not. He spent hours playing trying to get it just right. Bluegrass was his favorite type of music and he attended many Bluegrass Festivals. Rod also loved to meet and play with others at the Westman Jam's. He would play with anyone no matter what the skill level. One of his best qualities was his patience whether it was helping someone with guitar or electrical. He loved to camp and went on many trips with the 5th Wheel. There he could combine sitting by a fire and playing his guitar. He entertained many folks in the campgrounds over the years. He also loved to travel to winter destinations and made many trips to the Caribbean. One of his other passions was gardening. He loved to putter in the garden and the yard. He was passionate about his plants, using rain water in the summer and melted snow in the winter. The plants never saw tap water. He also loved to cook and you could always count on a good meal. During the 80's and 90's baseball was a passion. Everyone in the family played and it was a delicate balance to attend everyone's games and tournaments. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Susie, son Benson (Brenda), son Mike, daughter Rhonda (Buddy); brother Jess (Myrt); sister Clare (Clarence); stepchildren: Darrell(Linda), Debbie, Blaine (Theresa), Lori (Jacques), Terry, numerous grandchildren and a blended family of brothers and sisters. Rod was predeceased by his son Dale, mother Christine, father Isadore and hisbrother Jack. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Memories Chapel on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Bernie Mullins officiated. Urn Bearer was Benson Bourassa. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Friends who desire may make a donation in memory of Rod to the Westman Dreams For Kids, Unit 202, 37 - 11th Street, Brandon MB R7A 4J2. "Rod was a wonderful, caring and generous man and he leaves this world a little better place because of it. We love you and will miss you always." Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 12, 2012