Robert Phillip Bourget

Robert Phillip Bourget passed away Saturday February 7, 2015 supported by his family and loved ones.


Robert was a first generation American born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to Aime Louis Phillias Bourget and Eva Anne Laferriere on June 8, 1930.  Robert had three older sisters, Theresa, Rolande and Gabrielle. Robert’s father died in 1939 and his mother died in 1941 leaving Robert an orphan to be raised by his older sister Theresa.


At age 17 Robert enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan for 3 years.  In 1950 he went to war in Korea as part of the Second Infantry Division where he was wounded in combat.  


Upon leaving the Army Robert returned home to Rhode Island where he met and married the love of his life, Irene Riendeau in 1954.  Robert and Irene had one son, Michael Robert Bourget born in 1961. 
 
Robert attended Rhode Island School of Design from 1957-1960 pursuing a degree in Architecture; with only two classes remaining he lost interest in this degree and began working in the wool industry in New England. Robert eventually became a wool buyer, grader, sorter and plant manager.  This allowed him to travel to Colorado, Utah and Wyoming working with western ranchers. In 1964 Robert and his family relocated to Rocky Ford where he held the position of assistant superintendent of the Rocky Ford Wool plant. Upon a vast decline in the wool trade in the United States Robert moved his family back to Woonsocket in May of 1968 where he was employed manufacturing equipment for the US military. Robert missed the Colorado weather and lifestyle so in December of 1968 the Bourget’s returned to Colorado where he was again employed in the wool industry managing the Colorado operations for Harry N. Bloomfield Company of Boston, Massachusetts. In 1970 the Harry Bloomfield Company terminated operations and Robert began working for Rocky Ford school district. Robert worked for the school district as the district carpenter and part time bus driver from 1970 until he retired in 1993.
 
Robert was a valiant soldier, loving husband and father, expert craftsman and builder and endearing grandfather. Robert’s hobbies included woodworking and watching baseball.  Robert is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Irene, his son Michael of La Junta, grandsons Matthew (and his wife Heather) and Mark Bourget, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and one sister in-law Mrs. Annette Boucher.
  
In lieu of flowers please contribute to a Hospice of your choice direct or through the funeral home.
  
 
 
 

Memorial Mass will be Saturday, February 14, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Father Paul Ekeh officiating.