Neil Fitzroy Bourne

BOURNE, Neil Fitzroy It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Neil F. Bourne. He was predeceased by his daughter, Dianne and wife, Jean. He is survived by sons Don (Mindy), Jim and daughter Mary (Bob). Also four grandchildren, Avalon (Mike), Alexander (Patrice), Bryan and Dave. Also one great grandchild, Jackson. Neil was born in London, Ontario on August 11th, 1929 and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Neil received a BSc and MSC from McMaster University. He spent a year at the University of Kiel in Germany before attending the University of Toronto to work on his PhD. Neil's professional career started in St. Andrews, NB with the Fisheries Research Board of Canada in 1959. His main work was on scallops. In 1965 he moved his family to Nanaimo, where he worked at the Pacific Biological Station until his retirement in 1994. During his working life, Neil volunteered his time serving on the boards of many aquaculture and shellfish societies. He also volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of Canada and the Nanaimo Home Makers Society. Neil received numerous awards for his work and dedication in the field of aquaculture. He lectured at many universities both in Canada and abroad. He was also seconded by the Canadian Government to assist with aquaculture projects in Fiji, Cuba, China, Japan and Brazil. Neil was a lifelong bird watcher and an avid golfer. In his early retirement years, he and Jean travelled the globe, always carrying a pair of binoculars. He was proud of being able to state that he has set foot on all continents on the globe. There will be no service and flowers. At the request of the family, a donation to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation is greatly appreciated.