Longtime harness racing industry participant Marc Bourgon passed away on July 7, 2017 in Wilkes-Barre, PA at the age of 60. Bourgon suffered cardiac arrest while jogging a horse at Pocono Downs on July 4. He was transported to Geisinger Hospital where he passed peacefully three days later.
In 1956, Marc was born into a family of horsemen in Sudbury, Ontario, and grew up under the tutelage of his father, Wilfred Bourgon, a horseman and blacksmith at Blue Bonnets Raceway in Montreal, QC. Marc dedicated his entire life to harness racing, working as a groom, trainer, driver and blacksmith at tracks all over Canada and the United States since the early 1970s right up until his death.
Marc is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tina Bourgon (née Skulski), daughter Jill Bourgon, twin grandchildren Henry and Jasmin and sister Judy MacDonald (Michael).
Service details will be posted when available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Marc Bourgon.
Dear Tina, Judy, and
Dear Tina, Judy, and Jacques:
Although it has been a long time, something possessed me to this site today. I was most upset to read about Marc's passing.
You were a big part of my life at one time, and I miss you all very much.
I am so very very sorry that now Marc has passed also. Him and Gary were certainly a pair!! :)
My deepest sympathies to you and my prayers also. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Gary!
Now I will miss them both very much!
Love Doris Petersen-Manderson Bourgon (Fiancee).
Tina and family, Please
Tina and family,
Please accept sincere condolences.
Howard Portelance
Marc Bourgon was one heck of
Marc Bourgon was one heck of an all-around horseman. And he came by it honestly as he was one in a long line of Bourgons who for generations made harness racing their lives. Marc was a simple man, unassuming and therefore under-rated. As taught by their father, both Marc and his brother Gary could shoe a trotter back before they wore hobbles, when it was dependent on the sheer skill of a talented blacksmith to gait them properly.
Marc's love of the sport overcame any obstacle placed in his path and only second to his loyalty and love of his family, especially his beloved wife Tina.
He was my family and I will miss him for the rest of my life.
Lynda Bourgon Rojas
Condolences to all of Marc's
Condolences to all of Marc's family. He was a fine man and great horseman. Loved our time with both of you in Florida. Big hug to you Tina.
Condolences to Tina and to
Condolences to Tina and to Marc's family. Very saddened to hear of his passing. I was lucky enough to get to know Marc at Vernon around 30 years ago. Marc loved his horses. RIP my friend.