Raymond Bourré

SANFORD, Raymond Bourré, 61, was surrounded by his loving family, when he peacefully passed away at home on June 7, 2022, after a decade-long battle with cancer. Raymond was born in Sanford on May 1, 1961, and was the last of four children born to Josephine (Regina) and Marcel Roland Bourré. He graduated from Sanford High School in 1979 and worked at Wasco for several years after graduation. He was later employed by Portland Glass, where he rose to management level and oversaw several stores and districts for the company. He loved his 30 years at Portland Glass and was especially grateful for their support throughout his illness.

His passion for music began in Junior High School band and continued throughout high school and after. Ray played in several local bands, but is best remembered as the drummer for Raven, with whom he cut a record, Talk Dirty. He started a DJ business with his wife, Debbie. Expressive Sounds was well known for excellent entertainment for events, parties, weddings, and other celebrations. They often donated their time and talent as DJs and Masters of Ceremonies to benefit causes, including the St. Thomas School dances and fair, the Sanford Schools Art Auction, and Sanford High School dances.

Raymond was most happy spending time with the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Bourré. They were married in October 1987 and celebrated 35 years together. Debra was his perfect mate, his constant advocate, and, according to Ray, his guardian angel.

They have two children, Olivia Rae and Adams Marcel. Ever the proud and loving father, Ray attended all his children’s activities – baseball games, dance recitals, school functions, cheering events, basketball, and frequently took his family on ski trips and cruises on the lake. He was an assistant coach in multiple sports during their childhood and was their ultimate cheerleader for all their interests. He was exceptionally proud of his daughter, Olivia, who was in the National Honor Society in high school, awarded a scholarship named for her grandfather, Marcel Bourré, and went on to graduate from University of Southern Maine with a degree in social work. Ray was equally proud of his son, Adams, who joined the Army, like his grandfather, and served in peacekeeping forces in Egypt and was later stationed in Germany. After graduating from Suffolk University in Boston, Adams began his career in market research. Ray cherished his discussions with Adams about management and operations.

He most loved all things having to do with family and friends. He loved boating with his family; taking four-wheeler and motorcycle rides with his wife; playing poker with his pals; camping with his in-laws; and visiting with his brothers and sister and relatives who came from away. Ray’s most precious moments were spending time with the joy of his life, his grandson, Cade Fleury, who, at the age of one, played drums with “Pep” and made him smile.

Ray liked making people laugh and was always ready with a funny story, a joke, or a witty pun, otherwise called, “dad jokes”. Even his doctors were awed by Ray’s sense of humor as he faced one cancer challenge after another. Raymond was an inspiration; a genuine, all-around great guy, and “an amazing man,” to quote a friend from high school.

Raymond credited his happy life to his wife and his children; his mom and dad, who “raised him right”; his siblings, who “were always there for him,” especially his brother, Michael, who, as a bone marrow donor, bought Ray another year and opened the door to one more treatment, and a little more time. Ray valued his extensive circle of friends and the prayer warriors, who continuously prayed for and supported him.

Raymond often said: “There are three Fs in this world. Faith, family and friends. You could probably get along without one of them, but life will be a lot harder.” He’s given all of us great memories, ones filled with love and laughter. He’s been a great example for how to live life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, Marcel and Josephine Bourré of Sanford. He is survived by his wife, Debra (Adams) Bourré; a daughter, Olivia Fleury and her husband, Aaron Fleury of Sanford; a son, Adams Marcel Bourré of Boston; his sister, Joyce, and her husband, Michael St. Pierre of Berwick; his brother, Michael Bourré and his fiancée, Nancy Labbe of Biddeford; his brother, Roland Bourré, and his wife, Noelle of Orland; his mother-in-law, Charlotte Adams of Bangor; his sister-in-law, Theresa and her husband, Gary Curtis of Carmel; his sister-in-law, Patricia Tate of Bangor, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, several godchildren, and the pride of his life, his grandson, Cade James Fleury.

Visitation will be held on June 17, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, ME. Raymond’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located at 66 North Avenue, Sanford, ME on June 18, 2022, at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to extend their extreme gratitude to his team of doctors at Mass. General Hospital, his Hospice nurses, Kristen and Elizabeth, and the massive support of his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Raymond Bourré to the Massachusetts General Hospital for the benefit of the Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund. Checks can be made payable to “Massachusetts General Hospital” and mailed to: Attn: Lauren Dello Russo, Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

As an alternative, donations can be made in Ray’s name to: St. Thomas School, 69 North Street, Sanford, ME. 04073.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.