On Nov. 9, 2011, the Town of Golden lost a long time resident when Rene Bouchard passed away. After his passing his family learned that Rene had some special deeds he wished to be fulfilled. Gilbert Bouchard is Rene’s brother and has been taking care of his brother’s wishes as he requested in his will. Rene was born in Saskatchewan and worked as a farm labourer in his youth before moving to Golden with his brother Bill where he was employed at Louisiana Pacific.
In the will Rene wanted to set up two, one time bursaries to be given out at this year’s graduation celebration at Golden Secondary School. The two $1,000.00 scholarships came with one restriction, one would go to a female and one would go to a male. Gilbert said he felt it was important the money just go to people who need it and are looking to further their education.
Principal of Golden Secondary School Iris Trask said that the donation of the bursaries would be a great help for two students who were making the decision to move ahead with their education.
Rene also had another wish for a set of golf clubs that he owned. Being an avid golfer for much of his life he wanted a nearly mint condition set of clubs that he owned to go to a young golfer as a way to share the sport that he loved with someone else.
The set of clubs was brought to the club along where Gilbert said, “His wishes were to pass on his prized golf clubs to a needy Junior golfer at the Golden Golf Club.”
Rene was very proud of being a member of the Golden Golf Club and his hole-in-one he made at the club.
Gilbert is very happy he could come to Golden to help make some of his brothers wishes come true and is very proud of the message his brother’s is giving to others. “This has been emotional for me but I am very proud of all he has done and is still doing,” Gilbert said.