Raymond Bourre'

May 1, 1961 ~ June 7, 2022
SANFORD, Raymond Bourre, 61, was surrounded by his loving family, when he peacefully passed away at home on June 7, 2022, after a decade-long battle with cancer. Raymond was born in Sanford on May 1, 1961, and was the last of four children born to Josephine (Regina) and Marcel Roland Bourre. He graduated from Sanford High School in 1979 and worked at Wasco for several years after graduation. He was later employed by Portland Glass, where he rose to management level and oversaw several stores and districts for the company. He loved his 30 years at Portland Glass and was especially grateful for their support throughout his illness.
His passion for music began in Junior High School band and continued throughout high school and after. Ray played in several local bands, but is best remembered as the drummer for Raven, with whom he cut a record, Talk Dirty. He started a DJ business with his wife, Debbie. Expressive Sounds was well known for excellent entertainment for events, parties, weddings, and other celebrations. They often donated their time and talent as DJs and Masters of Ceremonies to benefit causes, including the St. Thomas School dances and fair, the Sanford Schools Art Auction, and Sanford High School dances.
Raymond was most happy spending time with the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Bourre. They were married in October 1987 and celebrated 35 years together. Debra was his perfect mate, his constant advocate, and, according to Ray, his guardian angel.
They have two children, Olivia Rae and Adams Marcel. Ever the proud and loving father, Ray attended all his children's activities - baseball games, dance recitals, school functions, cheering events, basketball, and frequently took his family on ski trips and cruises on the lake. He was an assistant coach in multiple sports during their childhood and was their ultimate cheerleader for all their interests. He was exceptionally proud of his daughter, Olivia, who was in the National Honor Society in high school, awarded a scholarship named for her grandfather, Marcel Bourre, and went on to graduate from University of Southern Maine with a degree in social work. Ray was equally proud of his son, Adams, who joined the Army, like his grandfather, and served in peacekeeping forces in Egypt and was later stationed in Germany. After graduating from Suffolk University in Boston, Adams began his career in market research. Ray cherished his discussions with Adams about management and operations.
He most loved all things having to do with family and friends. He loved boating with his family; taking four-wheeler and motorcycle rides with his wife; playing poker with his pals; camping with his in-laws; and visiting with his brothers and sister and relatives who came from away. Ray's most precious moments were spending time with the joy of his life, his grandson, Cade Fleury, who, at the age of one, played drums with "Pep" and made him smile.
Ray liked making people laugh and was always ready with a funny story, a joke, or a witty pun, otherwise called, "dad jokes". Even his doctors were awed by Ray's sense of humor as he faced one cancer challenge after another. Raymond was an inspiration; a genuine, all-around great guy, and "an amazing man," to quote a friend from high school.
Raymond credited his happy life to his wife and his children; his mom and dad, who "raised him right"; his siblings, who "were always there for him," especially his brother, Michael, who, as a bone marrow donor, bought Ray another year and opened the door to one more treatment, and a little more time. Ray valued his extensive circle of friends and the prayer warriors, who continuously prayed for and supported him.
Raymond often said: "There are three Fs in this world. Faith, family and friends. You could probably get along without one of them, but life will be a lot harder." He's given all of us great memories, ones filled with love and laughter. He's been a great example for how to live life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Marcel and Josephine Bourre of Sanford. He is survived by his wife, Debra (Adams) Bourre; a daughter, Olivia Fleury and her husband, Aaron Fleury of Sanford; a son, Adams Marcel Bourre of Boston; his sister, Joyce, and her husband, Michael St. Pierre of Berwick; his brother, Michael Bourre and his fiancee, Nancy Labbe of Biddeford; his brother, Roland Bourre, and his wife, Noelle of Orland; his mother-in-law, Charlotte Adams of Bangor; his sister-in-law, Theresa and her husband, Gary Curtis of Carmel; his sister-in-law, Patricia Tate of Bangor, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, several godchildren, and the pride of his life, his grandson, Cade James Fleury.
Visitation will be held on June 17, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, ME. Raymond's life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located at 66 North Avenue, Sanford, ME on June 18, 2022, at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their extreme gratitude to his team of doctors at Mass. General Hospital, his Hospice nurses, Kristen and Elizabeth, and the massive support of his friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Raymond Bourre to the Massachusetts General Hospital for the benefit of the Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund. Checks can be made payable to "Massachusetts General Hospital" and mailed to: Attn: Lauren Dello Russo, Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.
As an alternative, donations can be made in Ray's name to: St. Thomas School, 69 North Street, Sanford, ME. 04073.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
I remember Ray well from the days of Raven! He was a year ahead of me at SHS and was always a sweet and caring friend. My deepest condolences to his wife and children. The world has lost a giant among men, indeed. Sincerely. Janet Soule.
– Janet Soule
Although I never had the privilege to meet Ray, I feel I knew him from the lovingly shared journey which Debbie unselfishly noted and shared. Being a childhood friend of the Adam’s family (and remain still) my heart is sad for this loss. May you keep those loving memories close at heart. God Bless.
– Michelle (Arbour) Lanphear
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre by Sharon Phillips . Plant a TreeIn loving memory of a very special man.Ray you were an inspiration to me for your deep love of family and your faith.Sharon Phillips
– Sharon Phillips
Oh dear… Ray was part of our neighborhood gang on Carver Street. What a great guy.. always a smile in his face.
I am so sorry to hear of this sad, sad loss. Prayers to you and yours.
Linda Frechette Blouin
– linda Frechette Blouin
Debbie and family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. The joy he gave you will bring wonderful memories.
Donna McGeehan
– Donna McGeehan
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre by The Pokrzywinski family. Plant a TreeRay was a coworker and friend for many years and will be missed by both Ski and I. His positivity and laugh were contagious and he was always a pleasure to be around. RIP our friend.The Pokrzywinski family
– The Pokrzywinski family
A Memorial Tree was planted for Raymond Bourre
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Black Funeral Homes-Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home
Join in honoring their life – plant a memorial tree
–
Ray was a big inspiration to my best Jim Legere and I when we decided to try our hand at DJ-ing.
His smile and good humor where more than contagious, rock the heavens my friend
– Patrick Robichaud
Ray was A Wonderful Guy. I went to school with him he was always nice, funny and played music. He will be missed. I want to send my deepest condolences to Rays Family and Friends. Rose Fournier Brown
– ROSE Brown
My favorite Ray moment. Ray worked in the High School football concession stand with the Sanford Red and White Foundation. I asked him to choose to work in the back room with the grill or in front with the order window. He replied I have to be up front with the people. I am an entertainer! Love this guy. I miss you Ray.
– Michael Dinardo
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre. Plant a Tree
–
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre. Plant a Tree
–
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre. Plant a Tree
–
I want to share a virtual hug to anyone, who has helped, prayed, cared for, mowed, raked, shoveled, cleaned, donated, collected, and did whatever my brother, Raymond, and his immediate family, needed during his ten-year time battle with cancer. The Friends of Ray are a very special group of people. Sent from my heart to yours, his sister, Joyce St. Pierre
– Joyce St. Pierre
Our hearts ache and tears well up for the Bourr’e family, as we join them in mourning the loss of one truly remarkable man. I met Ray in 1976 at Sanford High, and like most, took an immediate liking to him. Through most of the years since, we had been what might be called “friendly acquaintances”. Like so many people who grew up in the Sanford area, my family and friends had the pleasure of being at many events where he and Deb would roll out the fun for us all behind the turntables. The rainbow wigs, the inflatable trumpet and sax, and some of you might recall the ” Pink Cadillac” dance routine. They did the DJ gig so naturally that I used to wonder who was having more fun, us on the dancefloor, or those two on stage. Fun times to say the least, and they are awesome memories.
Over the last year, I’ve gotten to know Ray better, as we would share a poker table at the weekly ” meeting “. I found that he has an almost perfect balance of kindness, generosity, intelligence, and humor ( with an emphasis on humor !). In short, Ray is, and will always be, what most people hope to be…. genuine. I consider my memories of Ray to be a true blessing and the pleasure has been mine. Thank you Mr. Bourr’e
– Bob Cormack
I remember Ray when he would come into Batchelder Bros. Ins. Always a happy smile and so personable. May he RIP.
– Janet
so sorry to hear of this, i new him many years ago ,he was just a kind, funny little kid . may he be at peace and rest.
sandra bourre’ [ the late leon bourre’ wife ]
– sandra bourre
As most people know, Ray was a great guy. I have many memories of all the times growing up in the Carver/Booth St. neighborhood. As stated Ray was brought up right and that is a credit to his awesome parents! I have fond memories of our weekend trip to Danbury State Fair, and staying at their relatives in Connecticut. His mother kept myself, Ray and Marcel (his Dad) all in line. =)
I remember one summer day, Ray and I were riding our bikes to Wells Beach and all of a sudden he jumps off his bike and is hunched over, coughing gagging and making ungodly noises and I rode over to see what was the matter. Come to find out he had swallowed a June Bug and wasn’t too happy when I told him to look at the bright side about the free protein and not having to buy as much lunch. =)
And I’ll never forget our first neighbor band “The Youth”…Ray, Myself, Jimmy, Joey and Steve. We knew one song and played it over and over again up stairs at the Bourre’s…Yes, Mrs. Bourre was an Angel!
I just wanted to share a few memories and offer my sincere condolences to the Bourre family. Heaven is now a better place, take my word for it.
– Greg Jackson
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre. Plant a TreeMy heart hurts for the Bourre family. Ray fought hard and with class, please accept my condolences
–
Debbie and family,
Ray was the absolute best. Always smiling and so cheerful. He will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts. Xoxoxox
– Kayla Wayne
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Raymond Bourre. Plant a TreeWe’re so sorry for your loss. Ray meant so much to us und Karen. He was a shining light in our lives and we’re lucky to have known him!Love,The McCuskers
–
Chet & Sharon worked with Ray at Portland Glass he was a great man. In a business of dog eat dog Ray made the jobless stressful. Ray gave a good fight and the world has lost a great human being may his soul rest easy. The poem The dash
Is how we will always remember Ray.
– Sharon & Chet Whitcher of PG
Remembering the many NAIW/NAIP Regional conferences that both Ray and Brenda were a part of year after year. You are all in my prayers.
– Deborah Goes