by Tom Dillard

Society members will be saddened to learn of the death of one of our long time member, Russell Bourque of the Lafayette, La. area. Russell was the husband of Elaine Bourque, the long-time treasurer of the Society and he was always helping out at SLI conventions and other events. He was only 66 years of age when he died peacefully on May 3, 2007 at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette.

Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elaine Larcade Bourque; one daughter, Kelly Thibeaux and her husband, Dale; two sons, Mitchell F. Bourque and his wife, Therese, and Scott Bourque and wife, Monica. Six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are among the host who mourn the loss of Russell Bourque. His parents, Llewellyn Bourque and Regina Girouard Bourque, preceded Russell in death.

Russell was a native of Lafayette and a resident of Milton, La. for most of his life. He served as president of the Milton Water Board, and he was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Russell was proud of his service. He was known as an outdoors man and a good hunter, but also as a volunteer chef at community events. He liked people, and people liked him.

Russell’s funeral was held on Monday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. William Gearheard, pastor, celebrating the Mass.

The Society for Louisiana Irises extends its sincere condolences to Elaine Bourque and her family.