Ralph F. Bourgeois

MILFORD - Ralph F. Bourgeois went to rest with his eternal Father on Friday, November 21, 2014. Born in Philadelphia on September 10, 1925 he was 89 years old. At the age of 17 Ralph served his country as a First Classman in the US Coast Guard on USS LST27. Having survived Omaha Beach on D Day, he returned home to start his family. Ralph was an active man, and although always safety conscience, was never afraid to try new things or to find out how things worked. A certified scuba diver, Ralph would volunteer many hours to the Boy Scouts giving lectures and demonstrations. In the 1950's Ralph was involved in an archery club where he made his own arrowheads. He was also a member of his local gun club and made his own bullets. In 1964 Ralph started the first surfing organization on Long Beach Island, New Jersey and became president of the surfing club. During that time he served as surfing judge and made surfboards. Ralph enjoyed a variety of music from Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles to Pink Floyd. He also enjoyed ice-skating, body surfing, swimming, horseback riding, motocross, and working with his hands. He will be remembered as a trust worthy, generous soul and sorely missed by his devoted children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph J. Bourgeois and Maria (Ryan) Bourgeois; his brother, Joseph Bourgeois; and his wife, Barbara Holeran. He is survived by his children, Ralph V. Bourgeois of Jensen Beach, Fla., Eric Bourgeois of West Creek, N.J., Beverly Laird and husband Ray of Port Republic, N.J., and Renee Ryan of Milford; his grandchildren, Katherine Laird of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Jenee Kimble of Salisbury, Md; and his great grand-daughter, Jenabelle Norton of Salisbury, Md. A memorial service with military honors will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave, Milford. Burial will be held privately. Condolences may be emailed to rogersfh@del.net