Deacon Bourget: 'God blessed many people through him'

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Deacon Mark Allan Bourget

ST. GEORGE — Deacon Mark Allan Bourget, Sr., 59, who passed away on Nov. 30 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, was recalled as a man “with the heart of a true deacon,” who “believed in what the First Commandment says,” during the vigil service on Dec. 7.

He died 20 years to the day after his ordination, as two of his diaconal classmates, Deacon Rubel Salaz and Deacon Michael Bulson, mentioned at the vigil.

“He was a beautiful person,” said Deacon Salaz, recalling that during the classes, when Deacon Bourget was told he should cut his hair and shave his beard because he would be speaking in public, he responded, “I am who I am.”

The death of his son almost destroyed Deacon Bourget, but the grace of God saved him, Deacon Salaz said. “Because of that love, he converted himself to being a deacon and being of service for  the people. … He believed in what the First Commandment says: to love God with all your heart and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, but you’ve got to start with yourself. And once Mark started loving himself, it didn’t matter what anyone would say about him, he would go out and do his best at everything he did.”

Deacon Bulson admitted that at first the other diaconal candidates were uncertain what to make of Deacon Bourget’s appearance, but they came to admire his distinctiveness and “we admired even more his heart. He had the heart of a true deacon,” which showed itself through his prison ministry, his visits to the sick, that he was joy to be around, and how he always spoke of his wife with great love and affection, Deacon Bulson said.

In addition to his ministry at the Purgatory Correctional Facility, Deacon Bourget was in charge of St. George Parish’s marriage and baptismal preparation courses. He also provided the Sunday Celebration Absent a Priest (SCAP) service at Zion National Park, and regularly assisted at Masses at St. Paul Catholic Center in Hurricane, often traveling 150 miles round trip on Sundays, said Sandra Téllez, the parish secretary.

Deacon Bourget worked for Switchpoint Community Resource Center, which provides temporary housing and case management to the homeless so they can obtain employment and permanent housing.

“He was liked by everybody,” said Rodney Miles, who worked with Deacon Bourget and rode with him in various charity events that were sponsored by local motorcycle groups. “He was strong in his faith. … He always did what was right.”

“The best thing about Mark was he just had a way of making you feel good about yourself. If you were around Mark you couldn’t help but be happy,” said Rich Farnsworth, who met Deacon Bourget because their wives worked together, and the men became friends.

At the funeral Mass, which was standing room only, Father Oscar Martin Picos , pastor of St. George Parish, said that Deacon Bourget was a humble man, and “God blessed many people through Mark.”

As the Mass concluded, the Knights of Columbus presented Esther Bourget, Deacon Bourget’s widow,  with a Resolution of Condolence and a Bible.

Mark Allan Bourget, Sr. was born Nov. 25, 1958 in Fitchburg, Mass., to Robert A. and Shirley Turner Bourget. He was raised in Tooele. After graduating from Tooele High School, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the USS Tripoli. Following his discharge, he was employed at Tooele Army Depot until the closure of the base. He was later employed at St. Marguerite Catholic Church in the maintenance department; at the time of his death he was working at Switchpoint Community Resource Center, where he will be sorely missed.

He married Esther L. Garo on June 29, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nev. On Nov. 30, 1997, he was ordained to the order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his calling as a Deacon, he has touched many lives and will be remembered for his infectious personality, his ability to listen to others without passing judgement, and his sense of comical humor.

At the time of the accident, he was doing the things he loved most – riding his much-loved Harley Davidson while on his way to take Holy Communion to a homebound parishioner.

He is survived by his bride, Esther; son, Justin; mother, Shirley; sisters, Denise (Bill) Matier, Mary Hunter (Robert Waters); uncle, Paul (Linda) Bourget; aunt, Jean (Gary) McGee; five nieces; two nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark A. Bourget, Jr.; father, Robert; sister, Deborah; uncle, Norman; and grandparents, Albert and Eldora Bourget, and George and Erma Turner.