John B. Bourne

John Barron Bourne, age 82, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Loving husband of the late Norma Jean ( Kucsera )Bourne. Cherished father of Mary anne ( Tom ) Linderman, John North ( Jennifer ) Bourne, Kathleen Kosiek and Christopher ( Jennifer ) Bourne. Dear grandfather of Brian, Megan, Brad, Blake, Nicole, Tina, Keisi and Michael. Precious brother of Sally Ann Frost and Mary Jo Fezzey. John was born May 19, 1931 to North J. and Dorothy ( Kolman ) Bourne in Ferdale, Michigan. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Detroit Metropolitan High School in 1949. During his high school years he was very active in sports. He played football and was Co-Captain and starting pitcher for his baseball team. Dad loved baseball so much, as a teen, he worked downtown at Briggs ( Tiger ) Stadium as an usher every summer. He always rooted for the Tigers but the Yankee's were his favorite team. After high school, John enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Nevada at Nellis Air Force Base. He was a Munitions Specialist earning the rank of Staff Sargent. In 1954 he was Honorably Discharged from the Air Force and returned home to Michigan. He began his career in sales and advertising with the Detroit Free Press. In 1963 he joined Storer Broadcasting at WJBK in Southfield as an account executive. Our family moved to Northville in 1969 where we grew up and have many fond memories. Our summer vacations were spent each year up north at Torch Lake and Elk Lake. Dad enjoyed fishing, boating but mostly spending quality time with his family. In 1979 he took a position with the Mutual Broadcasting Network and eventually retired from the Michigan Catholic in 1996. Thus began his retirement. Dad and Mom travelled all over the United States visiting family and friends and enjoying their time together. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 2 pm until 8 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am with Chaplain Kath Lathers of Compassionate Care Hospice officating. Private burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Our family asks that any donations be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Canton, Michigan.