Obituary of David Bourne

BIOGRAPHY BOURNE ~ David Raymond Bourne passed away peacefully in the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Monday, January 24, 2011 at the age of 85 years. David will be sadly missed by his brother Anthony and Marilyn Bourne of Pembrook, Ontario; four sisters: Pauline Kelley of Edmonton, Barbara Bjelke of Edmonton, Ruth Thiessen of Lloydminster, Josephine and Keith Morris of Lloydminster; sister-in-law Sharon Bourne of Lloydminster as well as numerous other relatives. The mass of Christian burial was conducted from the St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Louis Fowoyo officiating. The eulogy was read by Darryl Thiessen. Leader of song was Marlene Risling accompanied on the organ by Donna Weston. The honorary pallbearers were All Those Who Shared In David's Life. The active pallbearers were Barry Thiessen, Lenny Thiessen, Terry Morris, Raymond Bourne, Lyle Bourne and Colin Bourne. The interment will be held in the Lloydminster City Cemetery at a later date. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY I would like to thank the friends and family of David Bourne for coming today. My name is Trevor, I was a great nephew to Uncle David. David was born in 1925 at the Lloydminster Hospital to Winnifred and Ray Bourne originally from England. David had three brothers and four sisters. David was predeceased by his younger brother Austin. David's upbringing was from just 15 minutes north of Lloyd where his family's homestead was. David attended Grainview school. I'm told the shortcut taken by the Bourne children was a two mile journey by horseback. David remained on the farm after schooling where he assisted with the day to day chores. Being conservative, David saved his money and moved to DavenPort where he purchased his own farm land. Hard work and persistence made David's farm strive. Some years later David moved closer to home "Sandy Beach". David grew up in the hard times, which explains his conservative lifestyle. No running water, power or amenities for him. He was very simple and content with life in general. He had a passion for mechanics, farming and religion. Due to failing health, David retired and moved into Lloydminster. David purchased a home in Lloyd where he lived for a few years. David's next move was to the Pioneer Lodge where he made lots of friends. The home cooked meals and care he was given at the Lodge meant the world to him. A brief stay at Points West and David was moved to the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre from there. David spent the last decade battling kidney failure. Three times a week for the last eleven years he would go to the Lloydminster Hospital for dialysis. Getting his power chair gave him his freedom to do this on his own. With this power chair, he regained some independence, by going to the hospital himself. He also left his mark at the Dr. Cooke with his chair. He would use his chair to tow some of his friends to dinner. Once the nurses saw this they told him any wrecks with that chair and you'll lose your privilege. David ended up with a clean driving record, no speeding tickets. Uncle David was a quiet, lonely person. His passion for creation, design and engineering was second to none. Uncle David's attention to detail was phenomenal. Knowing this first hand by seeing the things he built with his hands, and what he had to build it with. His mentor, Lionel Bourne, taught him the meticulous work put into the passion of miniature train building he had done as a past time hobby. Uncle David lived alone all of his life on the North end of Sandy Beach. He had farm land, which he worked hard at maintaining. I remember Uncle David coming to Grandma's for water. Two pails in hand, walking across the lake. There was a trail as though cattle were walking along the edge of the lake, but it was his trail. Uncle David never asked for anything, as he felt he had all the amenities to life. The simple life which he led. I've been told stories of him putting his nephews to work on the farm, one cent per bale. The boys were so happy to earn that kind of money back in the day. I myself, helped Uncle David at his house in town, shoveling snow off his roof top. Like myself, he was so grateful for the help in which he felt awkward to ask for. David touched us all in one way. We will miss him dearly and love him always. On behalf of David and his family, we would like to thank everyone who was a part of David's life. Friends, family and care givers. CARD OF THANKS The Bourne family would like to thank Dr. Snyman and Staff, also the dialysis unit for all their care given to David during his illness. McCaw Funeral Service for their compassion and support. Thanks to the handivan and ambulance attendants. Also to Helen's care home, Pioneer Lodge, Points West and Dr. Cooke nursing home for their wonderful care. To the Legacy Centre for putting on the lunch, for those who sent food, flowers, donations and cards. Also, to Trevor for the nice eulogy, the pallbearers and Larry Weighill for all his kindness helping David. To Father Fowoyo, Donna Weston, Marlene Risling and the readers, many thanks to all. The Bourne Families Donations may be made to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation Dialysis Unit, Dr. Cooke Patient Comfort Fund or to the charity of the donors choice.