Bradley "T-Brad" James Bourque, Jr.

New Iberia - Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, August 10, 203 at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia for Bradley "T-Brad" James Bourque, Jr., 45, who passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. 

Rev. Keith Landry will officiate. 

Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. 

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:00am until 2:00pm. 

T-Brad was born in Erath, Louisiana on March 3, 1978, to the late Bradley, Sr. and Leona Leonard Bourque.  His life was one that touched the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bradley faced significant challenges throughout his life. He was severely autistic and epileptic, rendering him non-verbal except for a few sounds. Yet, despite these hurdles, Bradley embraced life with an undeniable zest. He held a deep fondness for the outdoors and would often resist any attempt to bring him back inside. Bradley found solace in nature's embrace and reveled in the simple joys that surrounded him.

During his younger years, Bradley developed a fondness for Plain M&Ms and animal crackers – treats that brought a smile to his face. However, as he grew older and encountered throat troubles, he had to adapt his diet to only pureed food. Nonetheless, his love for life remained unwavering.

Throughout his journey, Bradley clung tightly to a security "string" – not a blanket, but an object that brought him comfort in times of uncertainty. Forever in motion, he could never keep still and was always on the move. When he formed a connection with someone special, he would reach out and take their arm as an invitation to walk alongside him. Conversely, if someone did not earn his affections, he would resort to pulling hair or pushing them away – an expression of his candid emotions.

Though Bradley experienced numerous challenges and lived in various group homes over the years, he instilled adoration within the hearts of his two loving sisters. Despite being sandwiched between them chronologically, they both saw him as their baby brother – a testament to the bond they shared.

T-Brad is survived by his two adoring sisters, Amy and Melissa Bourque; a niece, Savannah Skinner (Orion); three great nieces, Winter Ebella Skinner, Everly Tempest Skinner, and Aurora Skinner;  aunts, Ramona Falgout, Cathy Leonard, Leslies Touchet; and uncles, Calvin Bourque, Charlie Bourque, Waylon Bourque, Paul Bourque, and Joseph Bourque, Jr.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a three-year-old sister, Mary Ebella Bourque; all of his grandparents, Joseph and Gracie Bourque, Youn Barrilleaux, and Henry Leonard; and an aunt, Mary Ebella Bourque. 

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Bradley, but as we gather to honor his memory, let us remember his indomitable spirit and the love he brought into this world. His life may have been fraught with hardships, but his resilience and ability to find joy in the simplest of moments have left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace, forever walking amidst nature's beauty that brought him endless joy throughout his extraordinary journey. 

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).