Updated: Elizabeth 'Liz' Bourgeois Passes

Published: December 15, 2011 10:33 am EST

Trot Insider has learned that groom Elizabeth 'Liz' Bourgeois, wife of trainer Rheal Bourgeois, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 15, 2011. She was 63

.

Liz is survived by her husband, Rheal; two children, Shawn and Nicole; and her three grandchildren, Ayden, Ethan and Genevieve.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Homes, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, Ont.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.

Please join SC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Liz Bourgeois.

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Rheal and Bourgeois Family, We are so saddened by the news of Liz's passing. She was truly a warm and wonderful person and memories of her will keep you forever strong.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jo-Anne & Steve Finucane

Rheal, Nickie,and Shawn, We are so sorry to hear of Liz's passing. She will be greatly missed in our racing circle. She was always the one with the big smile on her face ready to greet you with a warm hello. Our sincere condolences. God bless you and help you through this very difficult time.
Pat & Stu Bolender

Rheal, we did not have the pleasure of meeting your wife. Sorry for your loss. Bill and Tracey Keeping.

We are thinking of you. Kathy Martens, Brett and Debbra Goodall...

So sorry to hear about your loss, Rheal and family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Robert Shepherd & Jodilyn Matheson

The Bourgeois family, Rheal, Shawn and Nicki, wish to thank all their friends and harness racing family for the outpouring of support they have all received since Liz's sudden passing. The family is overwhelmed by the kindness and heartfelt sympathy they received from the harness racing community.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Ron & Liz

Our deepest regrets, The standerdbred community has lost onother great person. Our fond
memories of her during your stay in Sudbury will not be forgotten.Both Kathy ,myself and daughter Jacquelyn express our heartfelt sypathies to you and the kids.

Rhéal, nous sommes triste de l'annonce du décès de Liz. Nos sincères sympathies à toi et ta famille, nos pensées sont avec vous. Alain et Marc Thomas

In reply to by Sean Dooley

May the memories of happy days with your loved one,be a comfort to you all at this time and always. with deepest sympathy.Clarke and Dottie Smith.Oyster Bed Bridge. P E I.

Rheal, Nikki & Shawn;
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. We are all with you and your family in this time of grief and pain. You have so many people around you to turn to and lean on. You and your beloved Liz and family are dearly loved and very much respected by everyone. Be strong.
Linda

So sorry to hear of your loss Rheal and family, my thoughts are with you. Brenda heywood

Our deepest sympathies to Rheal, Nikki and the extended family. Mary Jane and John Findley

we were saddened to learn that Liz passed away. Our sincere condolences to Rheal, Shawn, Nikki. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Liz. Elm Grove Farms and Gordons Enterprises Ltd.

Rheal and family, we are so sorry to hear the sad news of Liz. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Stephen and Twila Mahar

Im sorry to hear such terrible news Rheal, my condolences. Paul Stanton Duncan B.C.

Dearest Rheal, Sean, Nicky and family,

Our deepest condolences for the loss of a true horsewoman. Liz was always so gracious and kind. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time, no words can express the heartfelt sorrow we feel for your loss. May God give you strength and guidance. Heaven must have needed another Angel....

The Lamoureux's
Mike, MJ, Jacob and Jordan

Dear Rheal Nicky and Shawn.My deepest and sincere condoleances on your loss.

So so sorry to hear this news.
Thoughts and Prayers
Shirley Campbell

Dear Nikki, Shawn and Rheal,

We are very heartbroken to hear about Liz. Our deepest sympathies.
Love and prayers,

Rose and Richard Gagne

Rheal, Shawn and Nikki:

So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts.

Sincerely,
Tom

Rheal and family..

Very sorry to hear of your loss.... our thoughts are with you. Liz was a charm to talk too and will be missed in the world of racing in Ontario.

Scott & Michelle McEneny

My sincere condolences go out to the entire Bourgeois family on Liz's passing.

My sincere condolences to Rheal,Nicole and the Bourgeois family.

We wanted to let you know how sorry we were to hear about Liz. She, as well as the rest of your family, always showed us more hospitality than we could have hoped for whenever we have come to visit. She was such a kind-hearted person who will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathies,
The Siteman Family

Rheal, Nicky, and Family - my sincere condolences - Gord Remmen

There are NO words to describe how shocked We were to hear of the passing of Liz...Even though our relationship with Liz, Rheal and the horses goes back to some 35 years ago, every time We would see Liz she would never forget those good times in Sudbury, Garden City, Greenwood/Mohawk, etc...Yes, Rheal was the trainer/driver but we all know who did most of the work!!!

Rheal,Shawn,Nicky...Our sincere condolences and may the good Lord give all of you the love and strength to get through this most trying time...

The "Maue" family

Rheal,

Our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Erskine and Betty Arsenault & Family.

RHEAL,SHAWN,NICKY,and all of your family,,and loved ones,,we are so sorry fo your loss, we are hurting with you,,,all of you have been an easy family to love. the WASSILYN FAMILY

My deepest sympathy on your loss,my heart goes out to the whole Bourgeois family.

Bruce MacDonald

To Rhéal and family,

We are sorry to hear about your loss...our condolences to the whole family.

Richard and Marianne Lareau

Rheal and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. She was a great lady.

Rheal and family,

We were shocked and very saddened to hear of Liz's passing. We hope the outpouring of support from your family and friends will help you through this difficult time. God Bless.

Your "cutter" friends,

Frank Wheelihan
Noreen Whyte
Kathie Wilkinson

Dear Rheal, Nicole, Shawn and families,

Always wise, always wonderful, always there for her family and friends.
A terribly sad loss for you all and her beloved grandchildren, and for the harness racing community.
You are in our prayers.

Love, Janet & Duane

we are so sorry to hear about liz...our condolences to the whole family...deb pidutti and rob jenkins

Rheal, Shawn, Nicky & Family
Deeply sorry for your family's loss. Difficult to find the words...please know we care. God's Peace,
Terry & Brenda McKibbin
Megan, Josh

Rheal, Nik, and Shawn, on behalf of the Canadian Road Horse Association and our family, sincere condolences on your loss ... Liz will be greatly missed.

Condolences Rheal, Shawn and Nikki. We all share your sadness at the loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend and just a wonderful human being. Liz was always fun to be around and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bernie and June McGarry

What a sad day for harness racing..our condolences to you Rheal, Nicky and Shawn.
Zina & Rylee

To the Bourgeois Family,

We would like to express our condolences to your family. We did not know Liz but she seemed to be like a real special person.God Bless.

BenBar Stables

Rheal, Nicky and Shawn,

Our deepest sympathies to you. Liz was a wonderful person, wife and Mother. Our family has many warm memories of her. Stay strong.

Wendy, Steve and Ben Hoffman

Rheal and family we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Debbie, Peter and Gregory Francis
Joan Lowthers

So sorry for your loss Rheal,Liz was such an amazing woman she will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Millie & Ernie Arsenault & family

Life is precious. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Rob / Yolanda Fellows and family

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Rheal, Shawn and Nicky. Rena and I are in total shock. We had a lovely chat with Liz only two days ago. As usual she was uplifting in our conversation. Harness racing has lost a great servant and contributor and we have lost a great friend. We are in Florida and unable to make the visitation. Our hearts are with you. Be strong. Duncan & Rena Beattie

Dear Rheal,Nicky,Shawn and family

I was saddened to hear this news. Liz was just a wonderful person.Please accept my sincere condolences. My prayers are with you all. Hopefully all the wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.

Thelma O'Connor

I have so many fond memories of the Bourgeois family when they arrived in Ontario in the early 1980's. I immediately bonded with Nicky and when she came to the barn with her parents, I gave her a "job" in my shop. Every morning Liz would drop her off and at 4 years old she would say, "I'm here boss what should I do?. She was such a delight to have around. In later years, both her and Shawn babysat my kids. Liz was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and a truly genuine person. We will miss her dearly. My sincerest condolences to Rheal and the entire Bourgeois family.

Sincerely from a good friend.

Karen

My dad, Shawn and I would like to thank everyone for your kind words!! It means the world to us and she will be very missed by all of us! What amazing friends and family we have! Our mom truly love our racing family, so thank you again!

Nikki

Rheal, Niki, & Shawn & Family,

I am so truly sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Such a tragic loss to everyone who knew and loved Liz. She was quite an exceptional person and made a difference in the lives of those she cared about. She touched everyone she met with her wonderful smile, infectious laugh and the caring way she showed interest in everyone's path she crossed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Pamela Bray & Family

Deepest condolences to one of the most sincere and genuine families in harness racing. May the power of love, friendship and family help you through these trying times.

Nicholas "Ralphie" Boyd

Such sad news, Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts. Barb & Joe

Deepest Condolences, Thoughts and Payers Are With You and Your Family.......

Rheal, Shawn & Nicky
How sorry we are to hear of Liz's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. We always knew that our horses were going to be well looked after under Liz's care and that she would always have time for a friendly hello. She will be so greatly missed by all.
Norm & Helen Dunstan

My condolences Rheal. I had the opportunity and priviledge to meet your wife at Mohawk 2 years ago. Very nice lady. All my best to the rest of your family as well.

Rheal, Nick, Shawn and family. So sorry to hear about Liz. Condolences from mom, dad, Linda myself and the rest of our family.

Rheal, Nicky, Shawn and family;

We are so sorry to hear about Liz. She was an amazing woman, one of a kind with a heart of gold. We will miss her!

Angela, Garnet, Pat and Rhylie

(The Arnold's)

so sorry to hear about liz rheal shawn nicol god be with yous norman from england

My condolences to the entire Bourgeois family. Liz was such a down-to-earth lady and a pleasure to know; she certainly will be missed but always remembered with fondness.

Rheal,Shawn and Nikki

I am sending my deepest condolences to you... Liz was a main part of my childhood she was an amazing person and i loved her dearly. She always made sure everyone else was happy and healthy and had everything they needed because thats the kind of person she was. I love you all very much. Please if you guys need or want any help dont hesitate to call. You guys know how close i hold you in my heart. Thinking and praying for everyone.

Love you,
Carlie Bishop

Rheal,Shawn,and Nicky...
Porter and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our condolences go out to you and your family. Sincerely, Julie and Porter.

So sorry to hear this sad news.

My deepest condolences to Rheal and the entire Bourgeois family.

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Mary Lapointe

Rheal

Sending you and your family our Thoughts and Payers.

The Maltby Family

Sending out prayers to Rheal, Nicky and Shawn I'm so sorry to hear this news, God bless you and keep you in his care at this time.
Cathy Brown

So sorry to here about your loss Rheal and family our prayers are with you.
Tammy& Norm Durbridge

Our condolences go out to Rheal, Sean and Nicky. Your wife and mother was a great person, liked by so many people. Be strong in this time of sorrow.

Terry Lantz & Sarah Willits

Such unbelievable news. We will always remember Liz as someone who always had a smile on her face and would take the time to ask how you were. Our deepest condolences to Rheal,Sean, Nicky and the rest of your family.

Steve and Julie Gilmour.

Rheal and family, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences.

The Byron family.

The harness racing industry has lost a great lady with great character. As a real friend I will miss Liz greatly. My condolences on behalf of my family to Rheal, Sean, Nicky, and family.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the whole bourgeois family. I feel like they are a big part of our family. A sad day for all involved. Try and keep your spirits up guys and if there's anything me or Linda can do please don't hesitate to ask. We will be praying for all of you.

Mike and Linda

My sympathies to the family.
Murielle & Emily

Rheal, Shawn & Sarah, Nicky...

We're so sorry to hear of your loss...words cannot express it. Glad that you're all there for each other. Stay strong.

Dan & Justin Fisher

Mes condoleances a toi et tes enfants pour votre grande perte. Ronald

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