Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Ronald D. Bourque died on Saturday, September 17, 2022. He was just 75 years old. He battled pancreatic cancer courageously for four years, never surrendering to it, choosing to find joy in his day, and continuing to be a bright and positive light for those who loved him…brave to the end.
Ron was born in Sanford, Maine in 1947. He was the son of Dora (Mayotte) and Napoleon Omer Bourque, two hard-working, devoted, and loving parents who instilled in him a moral compass that guided him throughout his entire life.
Ron attended St Ignatius, the local parochial school in Sanford. He graduated from the University of Detroit and then went on to the University of Iowa Law School. He completed his legal studies and graduated from the University of Maine Law School. Married with children, he settled in his hometown of Sanford. After a brief time with a local law firm, Ron decided to open his own law practice. He was busy from the very beginning and spent his career working as a fair-minded and trustworthy counsel for the people of his community and the state of Maine. His strong ethical standards were recognized by his legal peers as the recipient of the Charles Walter Smith Jr. award, and he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to serve on the statewide Committee on Judicial Responsibility. His legal background cultivated endeavors in real estate and banking, and his lifelong interest in politics sparked political involvement at the state and national level.
Perhaps most importantly, Ron was a trusted advisor to countless friends and family members. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and life lessons, and he mentored many of us toward success. He genuinely looked out for all of us. Loyal, reliable and constant. Ron had many interests, the majority of which he began to explore in his late twenties and beyond, and all of which he approached with discipline, intensity, and enthusiasm. He learned to ski, played tennis, coached his daughters’ soccer teams, got his pilot’s license, dabbled in sailing in Casco Bay, and he was an avid reader. He loved to play golf, and he loved traveling to new places. He started taking piano lessons with his oldest child when she was six, and for 30 years he had a lesson every week. His family would wake up in the morning to the sound of him practicing and listen to him again every evening. He never considered himself good enough to play for anyone except his family, but he loved it.
Ron and Ann have three daughters and seven granddaughters who are the pride and joy of their lives. Together with Ann, Ron was a stalwart believer that this group of women was endlessly capable. He encouraged them to explore the world, he emboldened them to be fearless, and he was one of their greatest champions. He had no choice but to be a feminist.
Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Bourque (Lincourt). He is also survived by his daughter Lisa Chekan (Edward) and their daughters Sarah, Emma, and Laura; his daughter Ellen Johnson (Sean) and their daughters Hannah and Elizabeth; his daughter Emily Burks (Matt) and their daughters Logan and Madison; his sister Claire Brooks (Mike Brooks); numerous nieces and nephews and the many people who were fortunate to know him as a friend.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, in memory of Ron, would be a thoughtful gift.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Carol and Jay Stewart - Friend
September 20, 2022, 8:22 pm
Dear Ann-we are so very saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Ron-he was a true warrior these past years and you both have set an example for all of us with your positivity and graciousness – Ron will be greatly missed by all of us who have had the extreme privilege of knowing him -our thoughts and prayers and love are with you and your family –
Bill and Ronnie Weyrauch - Friends
September 20, 2022, 8:50 pm
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was a wonderful person and he faced his illness with a bravery that we all admired. He will be missed
John and Charlotte Klein - Friend
September 20, 2022, 9:13 pm
Dear Ann, we are so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing and assure you that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We regret that we were unable to spend more quality time with both of you the last several years but we always took great pleasure when we would see you walking around the neighborhood. You were both an inspiration as you offered each other the moral support during the difficult time between Ron’s treatments. Stay strong and know that you have a dedicated Orchid community of friends who are here to assist you. Love, John & Charlotte
Cathy and Ken Torrey - Friend
September 20, 2022, 9:14 pm
Dear Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. Ron was a wonderful man, always had a ready smile and just.a lovely, kind way about him. He will be so missed.
Larry Murphy - Friend
September 20, 2022, 9:14 pm
Ann, So very sorry for you and your family. Ron was such a terrific guy! We are heartbroken for you all. You all are in our prayers. Anne and Larry Murphy
Meg McLaughlin - FRIEND
September 20, 2022, 9:21 pm
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF RON’S PASSING. HE WAS AMAZING IN HIS FIGHT . WE WILL MISS HIS WONDERFUL SMILE . THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. MEG AND JIM
Myra Webber - Orchid Island friend
September 20, 2022, 10:52 pm
Ann I was so sorry to read that Ron had passed away. I didn’t know he was having problems-he had fought this horrible disease so long, it was a surprise to read. Please know that I will do anything to help you. I know what you are going through but like you I had, 3 daughters too and they will be a big help as will the grandchildren
Chris & Keena Clifford - Friend from Orchid Island
September 20, 2022, 11:32 pm
The obituary goes a long way to conveying just how great a person Ron was and will continue to be as he is remembered by his many friends. A loving Husband, caring and supportive father, devoted to his family, supportive of his friends and the greater community, and a reliable beacon and moral compass that made us all want to be guided by our “better angels”. We are so lucky that we became close friends of Ron and Ann and will cherish our many loving memories. Ron will be the subject of many stories and an object example of a life well lived. His loving family is a wonderful memorial.
Rich Whittaker - Orchid friend
September 21, 2022, 1:31 am
On was a truly remarkable man for all the reasons described in his obituary. To know him was to like him. He will be greatly missed.
Tom Chandler - Friend
September 21, 2022, 2:50 am
Ron was such a good friend. We would correspond by email on Sunday mornings for years telling each other what we did during the week, our future plans and other general discussions. He and Ann made many enjoyable trips with Jan and I over the years. They have been our travel buddies. Ron will be missed by many friends as well as his family. When Ron and I were sitting at the pool, I would look over at him and nod toward the golf course and we would be off like a shot to play a round of golf.
Dominick Benedetto - Neighborhood friend
September 21, 2022, 11:59 am
Dear Ann, I cannot express how positively your daily display of love and courage for one another affected me. It was an exemplary expression of the vow “…for better or worse, until death do we part” that we all made in the distant past and hope that we somehow have the stamina to fulfill when the time arrives. Mary Jane and I will never forget your display of love and affection for one another.
Cas and Grace Skrzypczak - Orchid Island Friends
September 21, 2022, 2:48 pm
Ann we are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was an inspiration to so many people. We felt a special relationship because of our Maine connections.
John and Marta Schaefer - Friends
September 21, 2022, 3:40 pm
Dear Ann, words cannot describe our shock and sense of sadness. We didn’t have much time to get to know you and Ron better, but the warmth and kindness ,which you both displayed on our (daily) walks, was overpowering. Please accept our deepest condolences. “May God hold you softly in the palm of His hand” in this difficult season.
Donna Bailey - colleague
September 22, 2022, 12:23 pm
Ann and family – I was saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was an incredible man and respected colleague. He was always generous with his time and counsel, never making any of us feel like we were asking a stupid question (even when we were). The world and the bar will be a much worse place with his leaving us. May his memory be a blessing.
Donna Applebee - Friend
September 22, 2022, 2:56 pm
Dear Ann and family, I was privileged to have known Ron long ago in our high school days, and later on in business, watching high basketball games, and on the golf course. Ron has left a positive impression to many. You and you family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carl & Sandra Poulton - Sean & Hannah's godparents
September 22, 2022, 7:30 pm
Our thoughts go out to the family. We didn’t know Ron well but do feel he had a great life & enjoyed every day with his lovely family. Take care.
Lynda & Terry Stinson - Friends at Orchid Island
September 23, 2022, 12:30 am
Dear Ann and Family, We are so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. He was the most kindest, considerate and genuine man we have ever met. The love that that two of you shared was so evident and admirable, how wonderful to have each other for 52 years of marriage and also during this most difficult time during his illness. We will miss him at Orchid Island as our friend and neighbor, but Ann please know that you are as loved as he was and we are here for you always. Much love and condolences to your whole family, I am sure the void right now is unbearable, but please cherish your most wonderful memories of all your great times together with Ron as your husband, father and grandfather. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynne (Adams) Signore - Classmate of Ellen's
September 23, 2022, 9:58 am
My condolences to you all during this time. The few times I had the opportunity to me Ron he was so kind! I know the girls from high school and they were some of the sweetest! May you find peace and comfort during this time.
Barbara Demers Striker - Old friend from Sanford
September 23, 2022, 4:03 pm
Ann, I was so sad to hear of Rons passing. I have fantastic memories of the times we all spent together. Keeping you and the girls and their families in my thoughts!
Nancy Hardy - Friend
September 24, 2022, 2:33 pm
Dear Ann, My thoughts are with you – may you and your family get through this difficult time with prayer and friends. Ron will be greatly missed. Much love to you and your family.
Michael Asen - Colleague
September 25, 2022, 10:22 am
If you measure Ron’s life by his skill as a lawyer then he had an A plus life. If you measure his life by what kind of a human being he was and how he treated other people he had an A plus life. Ron was a terrific guy to work with , or what most people believed was working against, since we always had clients on the opposite side of cases. If I had ever needed a lawyer to represent me I would have turned to two people, the late Peter DeTroy or Ron Bourque. And Ron would know I have put him in some pretty heady company there. Just a terrific and talented guy. When I occasionally miss the active practice of law it is missing people like Ron. My condolences to Ann and his three daughters.
John Gendron - Old Friend
September 25, 2022, 10:50 am
Dear Ann, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My first memory of Ron is riding with him and Gil Dion In what must’ve been his father’s car on our way to a high school dance. Clearly he was very successful in all areas of his life including having a loving marriage and raising a beautiful family along with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, John Gendron
James R. Sanger (Jim) - friend
September 25, 2022, 11:50 am
To Ann and family, Ron was always special to us. We knew him from high school days and became our lawyer with full friendly trust. He was a very caring, loving person and will be dearly missed. Whenever we pass his Sanford office, he and you will be in a remembering prayer. Love you all, Jim and Anne-Marie Sanger
Gary and Carol (Fawcett) Goodwin - Business Associate and Friend
September 25, 2022, 1:01 pm
Dear Ann and family, We were fortunate to have known Ron both in our real estate business and personal affairs. He was a trusted advisor, always there for us. We hope that through this sad and stressful time that you will have lots of joyful memories of times past to share and help you and your family through the coming days.
Linda Shields - Friends & Neighbors
September 25, 2022, 2:41 pm
Dear Friend & Neighbor Ann, CHERISHED. It’s a word that constantly comes to mind regarding our days with Ron. Certainly, he was a special man with honesty, integrity, and true grit. He cherished his loving family and it showed throughout his very soul. Not shy to be in a crowd, Ron could not only “work” a room full, but light up the lives of everyone in it! Our fondest, cherished, memories of Ron are in Maine and Florida forever. Mike & Linda
Martin & Kathleen McKeon - Former teacher/class adviser at Sanford High School, former client of Ron's
September 25, 2022, 7:22 pm
Our condolences to all of the family. Your wonderful legacy has always brought great pride to your Dad & Mom and, indeed, to your hometown.
Ali (Tarbox) Saperstein - former neighbor from Sanford
September 25, 2022, 10:48 pm
Dear Ann, Emily, Ellen, Lisa, and family, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. May the warmth, love, and joyful memories you share be a comfort during this difficult time. Wishing you peace.
Don Sharon Bushey - Friends from the old days
September 26, 2022, 1:23 am
Ann. We are so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron and you were great friends, thinking of the wonderful ski days at Sugerloaf. Much time has passed since those days.we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and Hearts
Amy Wyatt - Client
September 26, 2022, 1:45 am
I was a client of his many years ago. It was a dark time for me, but he was so wonderful. So grateful he was there to help me start a new life. He was a remarkable man of integrity and character
Emily Demers - Friend of the family
September 26, 2022, 11:40 pm
I have so many great memories of our families spending time together when I was a kid. My heart goes out to you all!
Ryan Adams - Neighbor, Family Friend, Client
October 5, 2022, 8:56 pm
My condolences to Ann and the family. Ron had a lasting impact on my life and someone I always aspired to be like. He taught me to think bigger in life and in business, but be smart and thorough before making any decisions. One of the sharpest and smartest person I have ever met. He will be missed.
Richard Smith - UD Classmate & Fraternity Brother
June 26, 2023, 7:14 pm
Ron & I were dorm mates during our Junior year at the University of Detroit. That spring Ron, Jim Keyes and I drove down in a VW to Florida for spring break. I still have the photos of us fixing a flat tire along Alligator Alley highway. Good memories of Ron.