Albert Bourgeois
CHURCHVILLE, VIRGINIA – Albert Bourgeois, 75, beloved husband of Deborah Winslow Bourgeois, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Al was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on October 18, 1950 and was a son of the late Albert and Dorothy (Chicoine) Bourgeois. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine and a Master’s Degree in Science from Michigan State University. His career began with employment by the State of Maryland where he was a reginal wildlife biologist for thirteen years, starting in Baltimore County and later in the western regions of the states, including Garrett County. In 1989, Al and his family moved to Virginia where he enjoyed 30 years as a district wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He was enthusiastic about creating and managing wildlife habitats. Some of his favorite projects included a 10-year bear study in partnership with Virginia Tech and a regional woodcock study. Over the years, Al had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people, many of which became special friends. He was a member of the H. C. Edwards Ruffed Grouse Society and the Virginia Wildlife Society.
Al was an active member of Staunton Alliance Church. He served as treasurer for periods of time and eagerly served wherever there was a need. He participated in a men’s Bible study for many years and also enjoy being a part of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). Al loved being part of a small group in their church called, The Grace Gang.
Al was a kind and generous, hard-working man. His life shaped by his faith in Christ, his devotion to his family, and his care for wildlife and their habitat. He thoroughly enjoyed doing life with his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, and especially loved bird hunting with his English Setters, taking a walk in the woods or on the beach collecting shells, and bike riding with Debbie and friends. He loved to travel and visit extended family. An Eagle Scout himself, Al served as a troop leader with the Churchville Boy Scouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-and father-in-law, Alice and Nathan Winslow; and by a special aunt, Viola Lequin.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Deborah Winslow Bourgeois; two children, Ryan Albert Bourgeois of Baltimore, Md. and Jill Marie Colon-Romero (husband Emmanuel) of Indianapolis, Ind.; a brother, Roger Bourgeois (wife Penny) of Cleveland, Tenn.; three sisters-in-law, Vonnie Crist (husband Ernie) of Jarrettsville, Md., Jane Winslow-Olson (husband Larry) of Upper Falls, Md., and Rebecca Papa (husband Joe) of Jarrettsville, Md.; two grandchildren, Sophia Rose and Emily Anne Colon-Romero; four cousins, Gerry Lequin (wife Cathy) of Midlothian, Va., Pauline Antil of Marlborough, Conn., Terry Breton (husband Richard) of New Bedford, Mass., and Yvette Morrison (husband Bob) of Rochester, Mass.; 13 nieces and nephews, and numerous other special, extended family members.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Bear Funeral Home (14 Green Hill Lane, Churchville).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025 from 3:00-4:00pm at Staunton Alliance Church (560 New Hope Road, Staunton). There will be an opportunity to visit with family prior to the service from 2:00-3:00pm. Burial will take place at a later date in Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery, Baltimore.
Memorials may be directed to disaster relief through CAMA Services of Christian Missionary Alliance (camaservices.org). Additionally, they may be sent to the Ruffed Grouse Society (uplandstore.org). Please specify in the “Memoriam/In honor of” section: Restricted to H.C. Edwards Chapter in memory of Al Bourgois or a check can be mailed to the chapter’s Treasurer, David Coleman (230 Parker Heights Road, Waynesboro, VA 22980) with the memo line specifying the H.C. Edwards Chapter in memory of Al Bourgois.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.
