ANB Mourns Sylvio Bourque

We are truly and deeply saddened of news of Sylvio Bourque's passing yesterday at Kouchibouguac Park in the company of Paulette Roy.

Sylvio certainly stood out for his kindness and charm toward all, his immense contributions to our sport and certainly great enthusiasm for life. He was a true friend to all of us within the New Brunswick community. He was also a fantastic ambassador of our Province as a multi-world champion arm wrestler.

Always so generous with his time, Sylvio was most recently helping with the making of medals for the Medavie 5k National Road race. We invite you to read Don Wade’s testimony of this great man. 

"The running community is saddened by the sudden passing of a beloved athlete, well known across the province and beyond. Sylvio Bourque drowned off the shore of Kouchibouguac yesterday. His spouse, Paulette Roy, was with him at the time. According to a close runner friend of Sylvio, she tried to help him reach the shore line but failed in her repeated attempts.

I met Sylvio in February 2006 when he travelled from Grande-Digue to Tracadie to participate in his first Demi-marathon de l’Acadie (DMA). He completed his 80th DMA last June. I welcomed him in my home several times for an overnight stay before the race; the discussions that we had about running, competition, relationships and leadership were always cordial, enlightening and fruitful.
Sylvio Bourque was a man of passion, convictions and actions. He was a member of the RunNB Committee from 2008 to 2016, acting as Vice Chairman in the later years of service. He is credited for spearheading the RunNB Annual Banquet, the Youth Bursary Program and the Elite Series. The 15 KM de Grande-Digue was also one of Sylvio’s remarkable accomplishments. He invested countless efforts for 10 years to make that race an attractive and popular event.
On the world stage, Sylvio competed in arm wrestling competitions in several countries winning several medals, including gold, for Canada. He even hosted two National Arm Wrestling competitions and the 2003 competition set a national record for registration numbers.
As a teacher in Grande-Digue, Sylvio promoted running for students; he organized a running program with sponsors and a point system for students K-8, recruiting close to the entire student school population.
Sylvio’s legacy for the running community include his cordiality, his innovative ideas, his passion and commitment. In a letter he wrote to RunNB Committee Members in 2016, he said about the running community: « I’ve developed solid and respectful relationships with so many great individuals. I enjoy seeing people active, happy and working to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s contagious! »
New Brunswick has lost a good citizen, an exceptional athlete and social contributor.
RunNB wishes to offer our sincere condolences to Paulette, to his family and friends.

Donald Wade, RunNB Chairman"

We extend our deepest condolences to all of Sylvio's family and friends.