Germain Bourdeau
SWANTON: Germain Bourdeau, born on June 29, 1946, and a life-long resident of Swanton found much sought out peace on November 12, 2020, after he fought his 21 year battle with prostate cancer with such strength, courage, and fierce determination. He never ever let his cancer diagnosis stop him from doing anything he wanted to. He was surrounded by all his family and his loved ones during his final days.
Germain leaves behind his loving wife, Sally Bourdeau, who took such wonderful care of him throughout his life and especially during his illness with complete love and devotion. He also leaves behind his three children and their spouses, Andre and his wife Jennifer Bourdeau, JoAnn and her husband John Wilkin and Rene and his wife Marge Bourdeau; and his grandchildren Dawson, Ethan and Jameson Bourdeau, Riley, Kassie, and Kyle Wilkin and Emily, Ellie and Elizabeth Bourdeau. He also leaves behind his sister Rachael and her husband Marc Yandow, and his brother Larry and his wife Debbie.
Germain will join his father Rudolphe and his beloved mother Claire Marie (Riendeau) Bourdeau, his brothers John and Daniel, and his special brother Remi with whom he worked side by side everyday operating their businesses until Remi passed away in October of 2016.
It is with such profound sadness we have lost a local businessman that was an innovator and inspiration to so many members of the small farming communities across Vermont, New York, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and from the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. His undying devotion for the love of the land, animals, agricultural farm equipment, and a good honest day of hard work was his motivation every single day. He was a businessman who loved working hard, long hours and he treasured the fact that he was lucky enough to work side by side in his businesses with his wife and his children every single day.
He will be remembered for his undying love of farming and his business ventures, his strength of character, work ethic, and his love of operating farm machinery. His favorite pastime was his love and deep respect of the land! Every year he was involved with the planting and harvesting of the crops. He loved every aspect of crops, the plowing, harrowing, picking stones, planting, raking, chopping hay, chopping corn silage, combining corn or soybeans, or driving truck. It did not matter if it was day or night, he just got it done. He often joked that he was just hired help! On Sundays, he could be found driving his side by side for his weekly scouting trips of the crops in fields. Though he seldom displayed affection to his family, a quick wink or nod, or that wide smile he had, meant the world to those around him.
He also leaves behind all his employees who were so dedicated to his passion. He cherished his long-time customers, many of whom became life-long friends of the family. His family would like to thank so many people who called, visited, and checked in to see how he was doing at home during the final months of his illness. His family would like to thank his doctors, Dr. Moore, Dr. Plante, and Dr. Ades, who understood his determination to live. His passing will be felt by the many lives he touched and he will be so greatly missed.
The Liturgy of his Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, November 21, 2020, at 2 pm, at The Church of Nativity Catholic Church, located on 65 Canada Street in Swanton, Vermont. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Bourdeau family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 65 Canada St., Swanton, Vermont.
Friends may call at The Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., in Swanton, VT on Friday, November 20, 2020, from 2 pm. to 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Germain’s name may be made to the Church of the Nativity, 65 Canada Street, Swanton, VT 05488 or to the Germain Bourdeau Agricultural Memorial Fund being established to support and sustain local agricultural organizations and education. The donations may be sent in care of Attorney George Spear, P.O. Box 148, Swanton, VT 05488.
Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos, and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com
