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Robert H. Bourdon, age 75 of Bemidji, passed away on Monday March 21, 2016 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, from numerous medical conditions.

Robert Henry Bourdon was born in Walker, MN on October 22, 1940 the youngest child of Henry and Laura (Brown) Bourdon.

He grew up on the shores of Birch Lake in Hackensack, MN and attended the Laura Baker School of Training in Northfield, MN for several years.

An avid golfer, he played 18 holes with his dad regularly at Tianna Country Club in Walker until the cold set in. His afternoons were spent swimming and fishing on Birch Lake. In later years, Robert and Henry would travel to Arizona to be closer to family and play more golf. It was there, at Chris Town Golf Course in Phoenix, that Robert got a Hole-In-One, a feat he was extremely proud of.

Robert's mother, Laura, passed away in 1966, and when Henry passed away in 1980, Robert went to live with his sister, Ann (Duane) Moran and their family in Bemidji. He was a faithful employee for over 25 years with the Occupational Development Center (ODC), packing his lunchbox every day and taking the bus to Magnuson's Recycle.

Robert was a big fan of Bonanza and John Wayne movies, was fascinated by the sinking of the Titanic -- watching the Titanic movie "a bazillion times" and became completely obsessed with epic earth disasters, especially tornadoes and earthquakes.

The last 3 years of his life he was a resident of GoldPine Home in Bemidji. Robert was thrilled to be included in all the activities they offered. Even though his failing eyesight hampered certain activities, he loved the events that involved music, especially Pastor Tim's song and scripture gatherings & the Golden Belles. He loved to draw and his artwork was displayed on the walls throughout GoldPine. His favorite meal at GoldPine was breakfast, always being the first down to the dining room, especially on Mondays, when caramel rolls were on the menu. He LOVED his GoldPine family!

Robert is survived by 1 sister, Martha Woods, Bellevue CO; 1 brother, William (Jean) Bourdon, Labadie, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Laura Bourdon, sister, Ann Bourdon Moran and 2 half-brothers Alfred Cleveland and Bruce (Cleveland) Johnson.

Robert's family would like to thank the Bemidji Sanford Hospital staff for their compassion and care during his extended stay, and Chaplain Tim Pomp from GoldPine for his many visits during Robert's final days.

Graveside services will be held this summer with inurnment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack, MN. Memorials and memories can be shared with his extended families through his niece Kathy Smith, PO Box 69, Walker MN.[[In-content Ad]]

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