Richard J. Bougie

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died March 6, 2021

Richard J. Bougie, age 69, of Escanaba, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021.

Rich was born June 1, 1951, in Escanaba, the son of George and Frances (Bussineau) Bougie. He graduated from Holy Name High School class of 1970. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 13, 1970 and served until he was honorably discharged on July 12 1974. Rich spent those years navigating as a Coxswain on the vessels.

Rich was united in marriage to Mary Rose Tourangeau on October 16, 1976 at Holy Family Church. Together they raised their 2 children in Escanaba.

Rich worked at Northwest Fruit Company until it closed and spent 20 years at Sayklly’s manufacturing. Rich worked in the maintenance department at the Island Resort and Casino and retired in 2019.

Rich was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church where he lectured and volunteered. He was a member of the Escanaba Amvets Post and also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Rich and Mary Rose enjoyed bus tours, camping around the U.P. and enjoyed canoeing. His true love was spending time at camp with his family and grandkids.

Rich also spent time volunteering with the Escanaba coast guard auxiliary. He enjoyed playing on his pool team where he was a former top shooter.

Rich was the most caring person who would lend a helping hand to any one who needed it. His mischievous smile would light up a room and make anyone feel welcome. He truly will be missed.

In addition to his loving wife, Mary Rose, Rich is survived by:
Son: Patrick (Nancy) Bougie of Kaukauna, WI
Daughter: Jennifer (Tom) Broeders of Escanaba, MI
2 Brothers: Don (Joanne) Bougie of Escanaba, MI
James (Donna) Bougie of Tucson, AZ
1 Sister: Barb (Jim) Couillard of Ford River, MI
2 Grandchildren: Logan and Peyton Broeders.
Mother-in-law: Betty Lou Tourangeau of Flat Rock, MI
Brother-in-law: Bob (Lori) Tourangeau of Flat Rock, MI
2 Sister-in-laws: Julie and Karen.
And several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

In addition to his Parents, Rich was preceded in death by:
2 brothers: Dan and Gary Bougie.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 from 2:30 until 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 5:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Masks and Social Distancing at St. Thomas Church is required. Rich will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Bougie family.

21 Tributes for “Richard J. Bougie”

    Mary I am so very sorry for the passing away of Rick. He was a wonderful man, always volunteering and offering a hand to those who were in need of help. May the memories you shared help you through this difficult time. You and family will be in thought and prayer.

    Fly high, cousin Rich. You will be missed. You have lots of relatives waiting up in Heaven with open arms. God speed.

    Dad you were the greatest man to ever live.. I will miss your joking sense of humor and your witty comebacks. I will also miss how you were always willing to give everyone and anyone a helping hand. Your grandkid s are going to miss you taking them to Rosie’s for breakfast and you teaching them how to play cribbage so they could win your money off you even though you always let them win. I will Miss spending time together at her favorite place at camp but eventually when I’m able to go back over there again I promise I will always think about you in good and not the bad that happened there. Fly with the angels and be at peace with your family up there Love you always and forever

    Rich was a very good brother to me. Mary and family I am so sorry. may God be able to use my three brothers for some good. that’s all I have to say. maybe see all of you some day God bless.

    Mary Rose, Jenny and Patrick, so sorry for your loss he was a wonderful man may God give you peace in the days ahead!

    MaryRose and family. I send my sincere sympathy to you all. Rich left this earth way too soon but he also left an imprint on all our hearts. So many memories and those memories are what keeps you going. Your in our prayers that God will shine over you and give you comfort. Rich is now at rest in Jesus’s arms ❤️❤️

    Our heart felt sympathy goes out to the Bougie Family. Richard offered kindness to many and touched many lives. He truly left a lasting impression on those who had the good fortune of meeting him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary, Jenny and Pat. God’s Blessings to you.

    Mary Rose, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family, no words can make this easier for you all. Know that there are so many prayers being said for all of you. I only knew Rich a bit but what I did know was that he was a very kind and easy going man. Hold onto each other in the days ahead, may the love of family help you mend, God Bless

    I didn’t know Richard very well but can honestly say he was one of the nicest persons I have ever met. Always friendly and smiling and caring. My sincere condolences to the Bougie family and friends. So very sorry.

    Our sympathy to the Bougie family…so sorry to hear this sad news…the loss of Rich, such a kind and friendly man. May God give you the strength to bear the sadness and know that he is now in Heaven with family that have passed before him.

    Mary Rose and family…I am Sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are THANKFUL to have shared memories with Rich and we will miss him and his impact on our family and friends. Like everyone said…we sure will miss his mischievous smile and infectious laugh. I have found memories of him and I working with Uncle Art & Bobbie at the farm bailing hay or whatever chores we need to do to get things done at the farm. There was always a laugh and bantering here and there. my 3 boys have always interpret things for me and Norma at all Tourangeau’s events/parties/weddings/etc….and we all love hearing stories and jokes that Rich has shared with all who knew him. We LOVE him! He will be MISSED and we love you all.

    Mary Rose and family…I am Sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are THANKFUL to have shared memories with Rich and we will miss him and his impact on our family and friends. Like everyone said…we sure will miss his mischievous smile and infectious laugh. I have fond memories of him and I working with Uncle Art & Bobbie at the farm bailing hay or whatever chores we need to do to get things done at the farm. There was always a laugh and bantering here and there. my 3 boys have always interpret things for me and Norma at all Tourangeau’s events/parties/weddings/etc….and we all love hearing stories and jokes that Rich has shared with all who knew him. We LOVE him! He will be MISSED and we love you all.

    Mary, I’m so heartbroken to hear about Rich. He was a awesome man. Always being there for people and having a smile on his face. Fly high with the angels at your side Rich. I won’t be able to be at the funeral. I had a injection in my hip this morning and I’m not doing good with it. So have to stay still today they said. But you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers ❤️❤️ Love ya Mary.

    I went to school with Richard and knew him to be a very kind person. Everyone liked Richard he had a very nice personality, and he will be GREATLY missed by all! My deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest in Peace Richard.

    Dear Maryrose,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Rich your dearly beloved. I did not know him well but what I could see is that he seemed like a real gem. May God be with you and your family through this grieving process. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let Perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace Amen. Your cousin from Milwaukee Wisconsin.
    Sharon Futterer (Tourangeau)

    To the family of Richard,. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. It has been a blessing working and being in the Coast Guard Auxiliary with Richard. A great and special man to many people. God will have another great hero in heaven. God Bless and be with you all.

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