Augustin d’Entremont Bourneuf Jr.
Hackettstown, N.J. — Augustin “Gus” d’Entremont Bourneuf Jr., 82, of Hackettstown, N.J., passed away peacefully Jan. 14, 2021, surrounded by family.
Born in New Canaan, he grew up in Gloucester, Mass., and graduated from Gloucester High in 1957 where he played football. In Gloucester, he was active in the Sea Scouts and developed his passion for boats and the sea. After serving in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, he entered and graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1961. He started his career sailing around the world many times, initially with the American Trading and Production Corp., and later with American Export Isbrandtsen Lines. During this time, he sat for and received his 1st Engineer, 2nd Engineer Licenses and his Unlimited Chief Engineer’s license.
After a brief time ashore as a port engineer with American Export Lines, Mr. Bourneuf joined and had a storied career with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). He started in Newport News and then onto New Orleans, and ultimately the ABS executive suite as a chief surveyor. He was principal surveyor of Western Europe and Northern Africa, living with his family in London and Paris for three years each. After a brief stint back in New York, he went to Singapore for three years as principal surveyor, Asia. He returned to New York and was promoted to chief surveyor. Mr. Bourneuf represented ABS on many international maritime working groups, forums, committees and classification societies.
With a passion for maritime history, his number one love was the Liberty Ship. He authored the book, “Work Horse of the Fleet – History of the Origin of the U.S. Built Liberty Ships,” as well as numerous other professional publications and manuals.
His contributions and love of the sea continued after retirement in Stonington. Mr. Bourneuf consulted with ABS but also started working with Mystic Seaport in the Rigging Shop, the Instruments Shop and the Whaling Exhibit. He served as the chief surveyor of the ‘Charles W. Morgan’ whaleship after she was rebuilt and launched in 2016. He was an avid reader and loved to tie complex nautical knots that he initially learned at the Eastern Point Yacht Club in Gloucester, Mass.
Mr. Bourneuf is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carmel (McEvoy); sons, Daniel and wife Karen, Patrick and wife Bonnie, and Phillip; granddaughters, Ava, Chloe, Ella and Ameila. He is also survived by his brother John “Jock” Bourneuf and wife Vicki; four nephews, Sam and wife Sewell, Peter, Darren Andrew “Drew” and wife Liz, and Kiki and husband Rick. Gus is predeceased by this parents, Augustin d’E Bourneuf and Virginia “Gigi” Bourneuf; and brothers, Charles and Theodore Peter “TP.”
Gus lived a full life and will be deeply missed. There will be a ceremony to celebrate Gus’ life in Gloucester, Mass. this spring or summer. Details will be made available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (https://www. maritime.edu/) in his name.