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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Basil Holt
Bourque
March 25, 1930 – November 3, 2025
Basil Holt Bourque, 95, of Concord, MA, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025.
Born on March 25, 1930, in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Basil J. Bourque and Mary Alice Bourque.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley G. Bourque.
Basil graduated from Cambridge Latin in 1948. He served with the Signal Corps as part of the Screaming Eagles in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1948 to 1952. While in the Army, he also played football for the Frankfurt Raiders and traveled throughout Europe. After his service, he attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1956. He later earned master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Michigan State University.
Basil enjoyed a long career in food industry sales, working for companies including DeZaan Inc. and Bensdorp Cocoa before finishing as an independent representative. Known for his loyal customer base and boundless energy, he remained active in his profession into his 90s.
Basil's family life was full and vibrant, splitting time between New Jersey and Massachusetts while raising four sons. A fixture on the sidelines and in the stands, he rarely missed a football, lacrosse, or basketball game—whether played by his children or his nine grandchildren.
Basil's greatest joy was his family. Affectionately called "Grandpa" or "Papa," Basil was famous for his signature "Hip Hip Hooray!" cheer and rousing pep talks, which rang out at college lacrosse games, family birthdays and weddings alike. He grew up in a family that enjoyed music. His parents, aunts and uncles would often break into song around the piano. This tradition carried into the next generations, and he often enjoyed a good sing-along with his children, grandchildren and extended family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering optimism.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Fleming of Concord, MA; his children, Basil P. Bourque and his wife Beth Bourque of Orleans, MA, Harry Bourque and his wife Amy Bourque of Ridgewood, NJ; Peter Bourque and his wife Ann Bourque of Kill Devil Hills, NC; and Ted Bourque of Providence, RI; his grandchildren, Basil J. Bourque, Kerrie Jacoby, Patrick Bourque, Kathleen Bourque, Ryan Bourque, Katie Bourque, Brendan Bourque, Molly Bourque, and Tommy Bourque; his sister, Jane Driscoll of Hyannis Port, MA; and six great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Sunday, November 9th from 2 to 5 pm. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, November 10th at 10:30 am. Burial will follow with U.S. Army military honors at St. Paul's Cemetery, Arlington.
Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on November 10, 2025 in recognition of Basil's faithful and honorable military service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Basil's honor may be made to your local Boys and Girls Club.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
Burial will follow with U.S. Army military honors at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Arlington.
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