Rowley - William J Bourque Jr. (Billy) ,71, of Rowley, passed away on Friday, January 30th after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Born on December 6th, 1954, in Beverly to the late William J. Bourque Sr. and Evelyn (Foster) Bourque. He attended Beverly High School, graduating with the Class of 1972.

In high school he was an avid tennis player. Billy worked for Beverly High School for over 28 years as a Custodian/Maintenance /Grounds keeper. He also worked for nine years at The Landmark School in Beverly before retiring due to illness.

Billy was a passionate reader of true War stories and Stephen King. His favorite hobbies were building Lego, General Jim, and Lumibricks. He was very passionate about his Boston sports teams, Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics; he also loved watching NASCAR and WNBA team, Indiana Fever. Billy loved living in the Willowdale Forest so he could watch all the wildlife around him and feeding the birds outside the window. He was an avid daily crossword puzzle solver. He was also a prostate cancer survivor of eight years.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Linda A (Rhoades) Bourque; a brother, Robert; nephews, Andrew and Matthew; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an older brother, his Uncle Walter and Aunt Sandra Foster from Florida.

Billy also leaves his beloved cats, Cleokatara and Casper.

In accordance with Billy's wishes, there will be no funeral services, a Celebration of Billy's Life will be held in the future. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Condolences at www.campbellfuneralhome.com.