Obituary of Bert Tourangeau

In Loving Memory of

Bert Emerson Tourangeau (WWII Veteran)

(1926-2025)

It is with deep sorrow and immense gratitude for a life well lived, our family announces the passing of Bert Tourangeau, peacefully on Wednesday December 3rd, 2025 in his 100th year. Last surviving child of the late Emerson and Minnie (nee Neumann) Tourangeau. Bert was predeceased by his wife Alberna (Buda), brothers Jack (late Diane) and Gib (late Adele), sisters Evelyn Anderson (late Jim), Peg Potter (late Gib) and Doreen Heise (late Doug), brothers-in-law Ivan Mosley, Keith Mosley (late Dorothy), Cal Mosley (Charlene), Junior Mosley (late Pierette), sisters-in-law Wanda Turcotte (late Bernie), Beverly Moote (late Peter), Gail Collins (late Bill), and by his much loved great grandson Camden Arthur. Cherished father of Debbie Greene (Stuart), Joanne Marcellus (Tony), Shane and Stephen (Karen). Proud grandfather of Christine Richard, Sarah Arthur (Shane), Matthew Marcellus (Chantal), Meghan Marcellus and Melissa Bernicky. Survived by great grandchildren Mason, MacKenna, Hannah, Theo, Jeremy and 30 nieces and nephews.

Bert was born in Arnprior in 1926. After completing his education he went to work in the winters as a young lad in the northern lumber camps. At 18 years old he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, joining his older brother Jack who was serving in England on an RAF Halifax bomber crew. Bert served from 1944 to 1945 on the Corvette Wetaskiwin, escorting merchant convoys from Halifax to Ireland during the Battle of the North Atlantic. He continued to serve in the RCN after the war, working on transporting decommissioned ships from the Royal Navy base in Bermuda.

After marrying and starting a family he worked with Ontario Hydro constructing power lines throughout Eastern Ontario. In the early 1950's he began work at M. Sullivan & Son Construction. He would continue to work there for over 50 years, when he retired in his mid 70's as their crane operator. He was a multi talented self taught craftsman, excelling at everything he turned his hand to. He possessed a razor sharp wit and loved a good joke.

In retirement he took up golf and enjoyed his days at Sand Point. He was a regular at the Friday morning round table at McCallum’s restaurant with his good friends Lorna, Charlie, Cecile, Johhny, Wib and Arlene. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Town of Arnprior for 21 years, and had his badge number retired. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 174 for close to 80 years. The family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Bonnechere Manor for their incredible compassion and loving care they extended to Bert and our family during his time there.

Bert’s final arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care and longtime friendship of the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street N., Arnprior. Friends may join the family during an informal drop-in visitation Sunday December 14, 2025 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. In memory of Bert, a donation may be made to the Arnprior Legion Branch #174.

♦ Legion Members will assemble for a Legion Tribute Service at the funeral home on Sunday at 12:45 p.m.