Celebration of Life for Robert Bourdages
Sunday, June 29, 2025 11 am - 2 pm
Stanley Park Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Road
Vancouver, BC
We said goodbye to Robert Bourdages—a cherished brother, father, uncle and friend—after a year-long struggle with cancer. He passed away on April 12th at Lion’s Gate Hospital in Vancouver. While he wouldn’t have chosen to spend his last days in a hospital, he’d have appreciated that his final room had an ocean view.
Through failing health, Robert never lost his appetite for life. While in the Palliative Care Unit, he couldn’t pass the ward’s stand-up piano without playing a tune; bringing smiles and discreet applause from patients and nurses alike.
When he no longer had the strength to sail, Robert surrendered his boat without bitterness or complaint. And when walking North Vancouver’s steep streets became increasingly difficult, he kept going—limping along, still marvelling at the beauty of his west coast neighbourhood.
Robert’s last work adventure took him to the small Caribbean island of Montserrat, where he served as the resident engineer for the construction of a new ferry pier. While there, he embraced the local culture, swam with turtles, and made many friends. He brought along his guitar and trumpet, always ready to entertain a crowd or join a local band.
Colleagues remember Robert for his technical excellence, his kind heart and positive spirit. His accomplished career started in 1984 with Nelson-Bourdages, a structural and civil engineering consulting firm he co-founded in Kirkland, Washington. After the firm was acquired by Poggemeyer Design Group in 1997, he stayed on as Principal in charge of their west coast operations. Robert later worked for Genivar in Alberta and eventually joined Stantec Consulting where he remained until retirement. Throughout his career he published numerous technical articles, led successful legislative initiatives, and was named Engineer of the Year in 2005 by the Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia.
Robert’s passion for engineering ran deep. Even as a child, he was curious, analytical, and resilient. His first project, with his only brother Brian, was an upgrade to the family’s backyard treehouse—the first of many collaborations. Unfortunately, a faulty pulley system launched Robert out of the treehouse, resulting in a broken arm.
In elementary school, Robert was a member of the chess club and ran for class president in Grade 6. He strategized with Brian, who crafted his campaign props from plywood. Robert won with the slogan “Vote for Silver Tooth!”—a nod to an ice hockey mishap that left him with a silver front tooth. The brothers were an active pair, from Little League baseball—to snow-skiing, water skiing and ice-skating as teens and beyond.
Robert thrived during his busy high school years in Sacramento, California. He was well-liked, excelled academically, joined the wrestling team, played in the marching band and helped build the annual homecoming float. After school, he and Brian worked as busboys at a bustling high-end steakhouse.
As adults, their careers intersected. When Brian, a real estate developer, needed structural advice for a project in Vernon, BC, Robert redesigned a system that saved the project considerable money. They later collaborated on a high-rise project in San Diego, a project that earned Robert a design award.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Robert's greatest joy came from his personal life—especially the birth of his son, Alex, in 1984 with his then-wife, Judy. His son remained a constant presence and was by his side when he drew his last breath.
Family was a lifelong anchor for Robert. His bond with his brother and four sisters was marked by deep affection and unwavering support. In his final months, his family rallied near and far to ensure he was never alone.
Robert endured more than his share of life’s hardships: a motorcycle crash that left him in a burn unit with multiple skin grafts; a bout of Bell’s Palsy that temporarily silenced his trumpet; and a heart attack that curtailed his physical activities. Still, he never complained. Even when cancer took nearly everything, he clung stubbornly to the hope of better days ahead.
Sailor, engineer, musician, and adventurer—Robert was adored by his family, who admired his courage and laughed at his dry, quirky humour.
We hold you in our hearts, dear brother, until we meet again.
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Robert leaves behind his son, Alex (Scarlett); his brother Brian (Terry) his sisters Brenda (Firoz), Denise (Claude), Louise (Joe), and Lorette (Eric). He was predeceased by his parents, Lucien Bourdages and Evelyn Martin (née Wick, formerly Bourdages). He will also be deeply missed by many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.
September 17th, 2025
It’s only today that I learned of Robert’s passing. I worked with Robert during his final few years and we oversaw the Montserrat project together and where I visited him several times. We had many great dinners and conversations on the island. He was a great colleague, engineer and friend and he will be missed.
August 13th, 2025
So sad to hear about Robert. He was my partner for 12 years.
Jeff Nelson
August 13th, 2025
I first met Robert when he joined the firm of Engineers Northwest PS, around 1980 or so. We collaborated on a number of projects for that firm including visiting a building in construction in Anchorage, AK where the design engineer neglected to consider earthquake loading. It took a week or so to design modifications to the building to meet the requirements of the City Building Department. We decided to form our own firm in 1984 and after a coin toss, named the firm Nelson-Bourdages. We located first in Juanita, WA, then Kirkland in a new building that we were partial owners of.
We jointly bought a boat, a 29' Fiberform flybridge cruiser named "Aloha" and used it to explore the San Juan Islands and greater Puget Sound. After a lot of engine trouble we sold the boat after about 2 years.
I left the firm after 12 years and Robert was bought out by an eastern firm called Poggemeyer, in order to pick up some government work such as freeway overpasses. At some point, Poggemeyer decided to abandon their northwest branch and closed up the building without telling Robert or the employees in advance.
I lost track of Robert at that time, I heard that he re-located in Edmonton, Alberta. So sad to hear of his passing, so many memories of working with him for those years coming to mind.
July 2nd, 2025
Robert was my great buddy with John Ware in high school. Inseparable during those last two years losing weight for wrestling playing in the band chasing girls trying to prove what big studs we were. Believe it or not Robert lost weight to wrestle 105 pounds as a senior. We sat in the sauna, trying to sweat it off. we had wonderful times ski trips, water, skiing trips, camping out and gorging ourselvesafter weigh-ins . Robert lived with us for a little while during college at Sac State and we would play “this guy‘s in love “ him on the trumpet me on piano. we made wonderful memories and I will never forget his friendship.
June 29th, 2025
It was nice meeting your beautiful family today, a perfect day to be out on the water Robert…I was out off Lily Point yesterday and took this photo…thought you’d like it. Thanks for all you did for YVR during the 2 years we worked together, Kai and Lesel say hi too!
June 28th, 2025
Robert was my great buddy with John Ware in high school. Inseparable during those last two years losing weight for wrestling playing in the band chasing girls trying to prove what big studs we were. Believe it or not Robert lost weight to wrestle 105 pounds as a senior. We sat in the sauna, trying to sweat it off. we had wonderful times ski trips, water, skiing trips, camping out and gorging ourselvesafter weigh-ins . Robert lived with us for a little while during college at Sac State and we would play “this guy‘s in love “ him on the trumpet me on piano. we made wonderful memories and I will never forget his friendship.
May 19th, 2025
My Great Friend Robert:
Robert and I met in 7th grade thru the Concert Band. We weren’t real close in the first 2 years. Then onto High School where we were around each other a lot more. Then came our junior and senior years, Robert, Chad Noland and I were inseparable. We were in all the Bands together, (Concert, Marching, Pep, and Jazz ). We were also on the Wrestling Team together. We enjoyed much success. He always did everything the right way, whether it was dieting to lose weight, studying or music, he worked incredibly hard at whatever he put his mind and soul to. He was a bit quirky as someone has previously mentioned , but kind and loyal. Chad and I were fortunate enough to visit him in that last year, and he took us for a glorious overnight sailing trip, I will remember that trip forever. Rest my friend, we will all miss you and are far better for knowing you.
May 11th, 2025
I met Robert in 7th grade. We had many classes together, but I remember our French class specifically. He sat behind me & would talk to me in class. A funny, kind, generous soul. I will miss you Robert & will look back on our high school years with fond memories. My deepest sympathy to all his friends & family.
May 1st, 2025
Robert,
You have done so much for my son Måns and for all of us in his family in Sweden. We met many times and I appreciated always the way you were as a person. Loved trips in your boat and when your family visited us in Sweden when Måns married Gosia.
I will always remember our meetings and be thankful and happy. Life is great!
Love from Måns mother
Gunilla Thurfjell
May 1st, 2025
Robert was more than a brother-in-law—he was a true friend, a kind soul, and a joyful presence in all our lives.
His love for music was just amazing. . As a golfer, he brought passion and patience to every swing. As an engineer, he built with precision—but it was the way he built relationships that truly stood out. He welcomed everyone with open arms and a genuine smile, always ready with a joke or story to make you laugh.
Everyone was welcome at his place in N Vancouver and have had the pleasure of staying there many a times.
He is deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. RIP Robert
May 1st, 2025
I met Robert seven years ago through his sister, my friend, Denise. I was always struck by Robert’s openness to life in his professional undertakings snd in his interest in the arts, particularly music.
My sincerest sympathies to Robert’s family and friends at this poignant time of loss of a dear one.
Sincerely,
Gabrielle Lacelle
May 1st, 2025
The beauty of Robert's soul shines brightly. His love for Family and Friends and all he has accomplished is a true inspiration .
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal
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