John Paul Bourdon, age 55, died late Thursday afternoon, February 2, 2017, in his home in Newport, NH, after a long struggle with diabetes and its associated illnesses. He had a lust for life in spite of many physical setbacks; because he kept fighting the good fight always, his family and friends grieve his death as untimely.
He was the youngest of five children, born, on September 25, 1961, to Polly and Richard Bourdon of Claremont, NH. He attended Steven’s High School in Claremont. Though raised Catholic, he ventured to and became a member of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church of Claremont, during the 1990s. John had a strong faith in God, and walked a spiritual path all throughout his adult life and for the duration of his difficult illness.
He grew up in the idyllic Claremont of the 1960s, where he spent many a day cavorting around the neighborhood with childhood friends Randy and Mark: riding bikes, exploring Moody Park, playing pinball at Maple Lanes, sledding at the golf course, going to the latest matinee at the Magnet cinema or Latchis theater. Visiting George Boccia’s store for a warm bag of peanuts, or Stevens drugstore for an ice cream after school.
His favorite place though, was always “the lake,” which is how he referred to his beloved Lake Sunapee. The lake called out to him and in return he cherished it as an important life force, He was comforted, inspired and energized by it.
John was also a great cook, known for his wonderful beef stew and baked macaroni and cheese. He was a conduit to previous generations, and would duplicate to a “t” all of the best dishes.
He was a superb writer and thinker, often musing about the trials and tribulations of life and just what it meant to be alive. He loved his family and friends and bestowed upon them his large and tender heart in the form of gifts of poems and other treasures.
Over the last ten years of John’s life, Judy Menard, caregiver, advocate and most of all friend to John, tirelessly assisted him in all aspects of his life. Her advocacy made it possible for John to receive healthcare at home, giving the gift of comfort and self determination to him. No greater friend did he have than in Judy.
He leaves his siblings Anne Bourdon of Boston, MA, Sally Bourdon of Sunapee, NH, Douglas Bourdon of Sunapee, Mary Bourdon of Charlestown, NH, as well as his dear and lifelong friend Mark Malia, and dear friend Judy Ward Menard. He is also survived by his Uncle Jack and Aunt Franny Bourdon of Claremont, NH, his Aunt Frannie Bourdon of East Hampton, Massachusetts, his nephews Rory and Ross Bourdon of Hampton NH, and many cousins.
A memorial service and celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 11am at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH. Burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
The family suggests that donations may be made in his memory to COVER, (coverhomerepair.org)158 South Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont.
The Stringer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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