George "Butch" Bourquin's Obituary
George G. (Butch) Bourquin fought cussed dementia, Alzheimers and diabetes as best he could, but his 73 year young, good looking, unbuttoned/chest-showing-shirt body just had enough. So he saddled up and headed out (he really wanted to be a cowboy!), reaching the Gates on February 19th, 2016. His loving family sent him off, led by Karen (Kvaska), his wife and soulmate, singing their favorite John Denver songs as she held him close and kissed him for the last time, three days shy of their 53rd wedding anniversary.
He joins his parents George John & Virgie Estelle (Coffman) Bourquin who taught him to be a man who knew how to love, find good in others and laugh often.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he and Karen spent 30 years raising their children and making lifelong friends on Baker Street, in the wonderful town of Berea. He worked at GM to provide for his family and left a legacy of his smile and how are you doing with the friends he made.
He adored his children Brett, wife Sue; Pamm Cook, husband Brian; and Beau, wife Kristi. He couldn’t have been more proud of them all.
When he achieved Grandpa status, his life rode to another level. He and Karen cherished the thousands of miles traveled and hours spent with each of them: Caylee & Payton Cook, Isabel, Jake & Claire Bourquin and Brilyn & Brooklyn Bourquin.
He was entertaining and loved by family and friends both near and far for his stories, humor and simple approach to life. All who knew him will remember his instant smile, polite greetings and helping nature. His two siblings and their spouses were more than family, they were always dear and supporting friends, there in his days of need. Brother Bill, wife Pat, and sister Jan, husband Ken Shepherd made his last trip to the land of his soul, The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota possible. He was a “big brother” to brother-in-laws Kelvin Kvaska who he supported and cared for as long as he could and Greg Kvaska, wife Colleen who still tell stories of him befriending Seamen and Admirals and becoming the 'Hawaiian from Berea' when visiting them at their homes while on military duty.
His 10 nieces/nephews and 7 great nieces/nephews will miss his ready smile and hugs.
School friends who are really family will sorely miss his “where is the scotch” and “did I tell you this” as he began another story.
He found his spirit in nature and said after a near death experience in 1999 that though he never did God things, he learned that when we die it is very nice, there is nothing to be afraid of, it is very peaceful. So please don’t mourn his passing but celebrate your times together, brag on him always and take care of each other and to honor Butch’s life "When they ask you to dance...dance!"
Memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter; 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300; Beachwood, OH 44122;
JDRF, 6100 Rockside Woods Boulevard N.; Suite 445 Independence, OH 44131
A celebration of Butch's life will be in June.
Family wishes to thank Southwest General Hospice Services for their incredible caring support.
www.jardinefh.com
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