From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald D. Bourque, 75
February 19, 1947 – September 17, 2022
Ronald D. Bourque died on Saturday, September 17, 2022. He was just 75 years old. He battled pancreatic cancer courageously for four years, never surrendering to it, choosing to find joy in his day, and continuing to be a bright and positive light for those who loved him…brave to the end.
Ron was born in Sanford, Maine in 1947. He was the son of Dora (Mayotte) and Napoleon Omer Bourque, two hard-working, devoted, and loving parents who instilled in him a moral compass that guided him throughout his entire life.
Ron attended St Ignatius, the local parochial school in Sanford. He graduated from the University of Detroit and then went on to the University of Iowa Law School. He completed his legal studies and graduated from the University of Maine Law School. Married with children, he settled in his hometown of Sanford. After a brief time with a local law firm, Ron decided to open his own law practice. He was busy from the very beginning and spent his career working as a fair-minded and trustworthy counsel for the people of his community and the state of Maine. His strong ethical standards were recognized by his legal peers as the recipient of the Charles Walter Smith Jr. award, and he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to serve on the statewide Committee on Judicial Responsibility. His legal background cultivated endeavors in real estate and banking, and his lifelong interest in politics sparked political involvement at the state and national level.
Perhaps most importantly, Ron was a trusted advisor to countless friends and family members. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and life lessons, and he mentored many of us toward success. He genuinely looked out for all of us. Loyal, reliable and constant. Ron had many interests, the majority of which he began to explore in his late twenties and beyond, and all of which he approached with discipline, intensity, and enthusiasm. He learned to ski, played tennis, coached his daughters’ soccer teams, got his pilot’s license, dabbled in sailing in Casco Bay, and he was an avid reader. He loved to play golf, and he loved traveling to new places. He started taking piano lessons with his oldest child when she was six, and for 30 years he had a lesson every week. His family would wake up in the morning to the sound of him practicing and listen to him again every evening. He never considered himself good enough to play for anyone except his family, but he loved it.
Ron and Ann have three daughters and seven granddaughters who are the pride and joy of their lives. Together with Ann, Ron was a stalwart believer that this group of women was endlessly capable. He encouraged them to explore the world, he emboldened them to be fearless, and he was one of their greatest champions. He had no choice but to be a feminist.
Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Bourque (Lincourt). He is also survived by his daughter Lisa Chekan (Edward) and their daughters Sarah, Emma, and Laura; his daughter Ellen Johnson (Sean) and their daughters Hannah and Elizabeth; his daughter Emily Burks (Matt) and their daughters Logan and Madison; his sister Claire Brooks (Mike Brooks); numerous nieces and nephews and the many people who were fortunate to know him as a friend.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, in memory of Ron, would be a thoughtful gift.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Joseph Augustus Cook II, 76, Vero Beach
November 7, 1945 – September 11, 2022
Joseph Augustus Cook II, 76, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on September 11th, 2022.
Joe was born on November 7th, 1945, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He was one of five children of the late Ruth Elizabeth Cook and Joseph Augustus Cook. He is preceded in death by his brother William Cook, sisters Margaret Buttons and Ruth Elizabeth St. Charles.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce McNeal Cook; his children, Joseph Augustus Cook III (Katy) of Nashville, daughters Anne Cook Allen (Jody) of Bowling Green, Elizabeth Cook Vaughan (Lee) of Nashville; stepchildren, Naomi Fecca (Mike), Dana Miller (Michael), Jack Crites (Shannon); sister Judy Batts (Tom); grandchildren, McLain Bender, Emmie Bender, McAulay Vaughan, Anne Vaughan, Clyde Vaughan, Will Cook; and many step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joe was the Salutatorian of Bowling Green High’s class of 1963 at the age of 17. He graduated from WKU in 1967, where he was a founding member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his CPA at the age of 20, passing all 3 parts at one time. He enlisted in the Army in 1963 and was a member of the Active Reserves. After college he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission before joining the accounting firm Sneed and Taylor as a partner. Sneed and Taylor eventually became Cook and Company. Most recently, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Joe was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and an active member of the Bowling Green Community. He gave his time to numerous boards and organizations, including the Rotary Club, the WKU Board of Regents, and the Kentucky Society of CPAs. He served as President of the Bowling Green Country Club, Chair of the John Y Brown JR Gubernatorial campaign in Warren County, and was a Member of the Kentucky Delegation of the Democratic Party in 1980. Later in life, Joe split his time between Bowling Green and Vero Beach, before finally moving to Vero and becoming an official Florida resident.
He traveled extensively and was fascinated with lost civilizations and lost treasures. He enjoyed cooking for his family, reading, riding his motorcycle with friends, playing golf and watching Fox News. He knew every word to every song and could sing like Elvis and whistle any tune. He will be remembered for his sound advice, beyond measure intelligence, quick wit, strong moral compass and kind heart.
There will be a family service at Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green on Sunday, October 9th, followed by a 3 o’clock reception at the Bowling Green Country Club to celebrate his life and the life of his sister, Ruth Elizabeth.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Robert and Mary Tincher Charitable Foundation, 1036 South Park Drive, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42103.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Douglas A. Mackie, 57
October 27, 1964 – September 19, 2022
Douglas A. Mackie, born on October 27th, 1964, in Philadelphia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 19th, 2022, at the age of 57 in Sebastian, Florida.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jill Mackie (nee Pettygrove); his children Amanda, Patrick, and Scott (Christine); his mother Sally; his brothers Bill (Kathy) and David (Maria); his father in-law Gale; and so many wonderful brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends. He is proceeded in death by his father, David W. Mackie.
He was a graduate of Cedar Grove Christian Academy (Philadelphia) and over his life was a devoted member to several church families including Calvary Temple (Delran, NJ) and New City Church (Palm Bay, FL).
Doug enjoyed his career as an IT director and in his free time loved fishing, playing Xbox with his boys, researching the latest rocket launch, hockey, walking his dog Jersey, and going to the beach with Jill.
He fought cancer hard up until the very end. And while he may have passed on, he did not lose his battle to cancer. That would imply the cancer had won, but it did not. He may not have been healed in the earthly sense, but it never robbed him of his joy, his love, his faith or even his sense of humor. Through all the pain, through all the heartache, he remained himself. And he continued to glorify God with every step. He was constant. To have known Doug is to have known what it means to be loved. Whether family, friend or even someone he just met, he made sure everyone that came into his life knew what it meant to be loved. It is a love he learned from both his earthly father and his Heavenly Father. He never grew weary in doing what he knew others needed especially when it came to mentoring teens. Even if it meant buying extra snacks or more seriously using his vacation time to take a group of boys to Haycock or hockey camp. Or to spend countless hours serving in the youth ministry. Those of us who remain will miss him dearly, but we will continue to run the race that has already been set before us. The race that he ran. The race that his father ran. The race that is not over. Because now it is our turn to keep running. To keep pointing others back to Christ. To show others that they are loved and seen.
There are two celebration of life services scheduled:
Florida Service: Saturday, September 24th at 10am at Shrunk Funeral Home, 1623 N. Central Ave, Sebastian, FL 32958. Lunch Reception to follow. Details will be provided at service.
New Jersey Service: Friday, September 30th at Grace Alliance Chapel, 118D Burrs Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060. Visitation with the family from 10am-11am, service will begin at 11am. Lunch Reception to follow. Details will be provided at service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help families in need through City of Refuge Fellowship, mailed to PO Box 27 Burlington, New Jersey 08016.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Spencer Guymon West, 49, Vero Beach
June 28, 1973 – September 19, 2022
Spencer Guymon West, 49, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away Monday night September 19, 2022, at Advent Health Hospital Orlando from complications of acute pancreatitis. His loving family was by his side at the time of his death.
He was born June 28, 1973, in Owensboro, KY, the son of Lawrence A. “Larry” and Kaye (Greer) West. He resided with his family in Evansville and Newburgh, IN, prior to their move to Vero Beach in 1990. He was a 1992 graduate of Vero Beach High School.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Brenda (Harding); one son, Riley Guymon West of Vero Beach; a sister, Amanda (Doug) Lewis of Colleyville, TX; and his parents of Vero Beach; Brenda’s son, Skyler Mathews of San Antonio, TX; Brenda’s daughter Breana (Jonathan) Miller of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren Isaiah, Maverick and Landon Miller; “brother” Matt Brett and special sisters-in-law Dawn Harding and Misty Sanders of Sebastian, FL. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilson and Ada Greer of Vero Beach.
At the time of his death, Spencer was a corrections officer with the state of Florida, a position he held for 13 years, assigned in recent years to the Okeechobee facility where he had attained the rank of sergeant and was a certified training instructor, including for firearms.
He was a passionately devoted motorcycle enthusiast and spent much of his free time on his beloved Harley-Davidson, sometimes with Brenda as a passenger, on group rides in the area, as well as some long-distance rides covering hundreds of miles throughout the Southeast. Raised in a music-loving family, he also enjoyed singing and playing his acoustical guitar.
Spencer never met a stranger and was always generous with his friendship. He loved spending time with the grandkids who affectionately knew him as “poppo.” He had many friends throughout the law enforcement and cycling community.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Advent Health Orlando for the superb care Spencer received there, with a special thanks to Dr. Kapoor for his kindness and support.
Visitation will be from 10 am to 11:30 am Sunday, September 25, at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 N. Central Ave, Sebastian, FL, with burial to follow in Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are entrusted to Stunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Louis Donmoyer, 95, Vero Beach
September 13, 2022
James “Jim” Louis Donmoyer, 95, of Vero Beach, Florida joined his Lord in heaven on September 13, 2022.
He was born June 28, 1927 in Lebanon County, PA, son of the late Irvin A. Donmoyer and Elsie L. Brightbill. Jim received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tri-State University, Angola, IN. He married the late Elizabeth Ann (Davies) Donmoyer in 1952, they lived 66 years together in Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey and finally retired to Florida.
After serving in the US Navy and graduating college, he worked as a Managing Engineer in the Glass, Chemical & Precious Metals Industries. Most of his retirement he pursued his family’s genealogy.
Jim is survived by his beloved family of Vero Beach – Renee and Scott Smith and family; a nephew in Boca Raton, FL; and several nieces & nephews in PA.
Services will be private. Jim will be laid to rest at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, https://www.hsvb.org/ or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit James L. Donmoyer’s memorial page at https://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com/obits.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Teresa (Vachon) O’Neill, 97, Vero Beach
August 17, 1925 – September 15, 2022
Mary Teresa (Vachon) O’Neill, beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend passed away September 15, 2022 at Indian River Memorial Hospital/Cleveland Clinic in Vero Beach, Florida. She was 97 years young.
Born in Holyoke, MA on August 17, 1925 she was the oldest child of Oswald Vachon and Mary Cronin Vachon. She, her parents and her siblings shared their home with her mémere (French for grandmother) and that home is still part of the Vachon family. Hers was a happy and carefree childhood. Her family had a rustic summer camp in southern Vermont where she enjoyed several happy years exploring the outdoors – particularly hiking to “the gorge” where she and her friends and family enjoyed a cool dip! She was voted “Most Pleasing Smile” in her Holyoke High School Class of 1942.
She and her husband, Gene, began their married life in Holyoke and later owned homes on Cape Cod, MA and in Vero Beach, FL. Initially a snow bird, she and her family later became full time residents and Vero Beach was a part of her life for over 50 years. During that time she was an active participant at St. Helen Catholic Church. She was a volunteer at the annual Harvest Festival for many years and a longtime member of the Council of Catholic Women. Her faith and her family were her cornerstones and her generosity and the example she set were an inspiration to her children. She was an avid reader, a sender of notes and cards, devoted viewer of Jeopardy and a lover of Ruffles Sour Cream & Onion potato chips!
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Eugene O’Neill, who passed in 2008 her brother, Bill (1988) her sister, Anne (1993) and brother, Jim (2016). Left to mourn and honor her legacy are her sister Elaine,
and children Gene of Vero Beach, Tom (Susan) of Arizona, Anne Schulte (Bob) of Massachusetts, Mary Barnes (David) of Virginia, Eileen (Karen Stoddard) of Maryland and Kevin (Christine) of Georgia. She also leaves thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who she loved and who loved her.
The O’Neill family wishes to thank the many kind caregivers of the VNA, her many wonderful neighbors at Walkers Glen who were so good to her, the St. Helen community and special friend, Shelia Haire who added so much to her life in her later years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281. (JDRF.org) or the Edmundite Missions, 1428 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701 (edmunditemissions.org).
A visitation will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m with a wake service at 6:30pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Interment will take place at a later date in St. Jerome Cemetery, Holyoke, MA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary Teresa O’Neill, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Eleanor Alfonso Perrone, 84, Sebastian
March 23, 1938 – September 16, 2022
Eleanor Alfonso Perrone, age 84, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2022, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Eleanor Perrone, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.