Ann and Eugene Bourgeois were the founders of Philosopher’s Wool, the creative masterminds behind a beloved local institution. Ann was an English teacher with a soft British accent, an expert knitter and lover of miniatures; Eugene was a mystical philosopher, environmental activist and amateur mycologist. When they met, it was a case of “vini, vidi, velcro”: they became inseparable, and from that moment forward they did everything together. They settled on a small farm in Inverhuron where they decided to raise sheep and start a wool business. According to a friend’s description of Ann and Eugene’s journey toward starting Philosopher’s Wool, “it was Eugene’s interest in raising mushrooms, that led to an interest in sheep dung fertilizer, that led to an interest in sheep, that led to an interest in fair market prices for wool, that led to producing yarn”[1]. Ann’s deep knowledge of knitting and her eye for color and design completed the puzzle, and soon they were producing soft, natural, high quality yarn, creating beautiful patterns, and giving knitting lessons far and wide. In the winters they would pack their van with wool and drive across Canada and the US (they were particularly fond of the South West), attend fairs, experience all sorts of adventures and make friends all along the way.
An important part of their activities in Inverhuron was their environmental activism, centered in large part around the nuclear industry (you can read more about this in the environmental activism page).
Like everything else they did, Ann and Eugene ran their wool business in a unique and visionary way, according to principles of social justice, environmental integrity and creative joy. The farm was open to all, and anyone who came to the store was welcomed into the Bourgeois home. You might come to buy some yarn, but before you knew it you’d be sitting at Ann and Eugene’s table, a cup of coffee in your hand, engaging in banter and partaking in the inevitable philosophical musings. They generously shared their space, stories, humor and life wisdom; in so doing they touched many lives in profound and lasting ways.
Together, they were an enigma, the living manifestation of the Philosopher’s Stone: a life well and fully lived. Like Philemon and Baucis, the old couple from Greek myth, Ann and Eugene departed this world (almost) together, only four months from one another, in 2020. Their wish was that their farm, and everything they had built, would carry on serving the common good.
Ann Richards
Read more about the evolution of the Philosophers Wool Company in Eugene’s own words