BOURASSA, Omer Wilfred

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/03/2012 Omer Wilfred Bourassa died Wednesday, July 25, 2012, two days before his 78th birthday, after a long illness in Scottsdale. He was born to Aurora and J.B. Bourassa in Flaxville, Mont. Omer was raised on a small farm in Montana, planting and harvesting crops in the summer, riding horses and spent winters in Helena, where his father served as Montana State Senator. He entered the Navy at age 17, as a cook and baker, serving on the U.S.S. Kearsarge during the Korean War, preparing him for a 30-year career as owner, cook and bartender in the Christmas Tree Restaurant with his wife, Carol. The Christmas Tree provided employment for hundreds of local citizens throughout his lifetime. His core staff loved and remained with him for as long as 25 years. Many teens in the community entered the workforce at the restaurant and benefitted greatly by the friendly, family atmosphere, learning work ethics, respect for others and common sense, Throughout the area, you will find successful business owners and associates who comment about their first job and how it helped shape their lives. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carol of Pinetop; five children: Julie (Rob) Boyce of Phoenix, Floyd (Marie) Bourassa of Scranton, Pa., Glen Bourassa of Throup, Pa., Ann (Todd) Whaley of Brookings, Ore., Colleen (Mike) Schell of Scottsdale; 12 grandchildren: Deanna Little, Amanda Boyce, Cleo and Parker Bourassa, Zachary and Matthew Bourassa, Josh, Sarah, Emily Whaley, Mary, Caroline, Sack Schell and one great-granddaughter, Abbe Park. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and two brothers. At his request, there will be no services, but he wanted friends and family to have a cocktail (preferably vodka) in remembrance.