Elwin Earle Bourey

1933 - 2025

Elwin Earle Bourey

Oak Park, IL - Elwin "Al" Bourey died on September 16, 2025 at JourneyCare hospice in Chicago after a long decline. Born in Proctorsville, VT on November 7, 1933, to Raymond and Clarice (Merriam) Bourey, Al was the younger brother of William. In looking to sum up a life well lived, his self-written bio for the McHenry County Enterprise Club does it best in his typical style of casual humility: My primary interest in going to college at what is now Plymouth State University was to play basketball. Soon I found other reasons, chemistry and a gorgeous coed named Alfa. By spring break of my junior year I was still playing basketball, studying chemistry and was married to that young lady. A few years later opportunities became available for young people with an interest in science. After taking advantage of a few such as NSTA and AAAS, I chose to drop out of the lengthy and arduous doctoral program in [physical] chemistry at UW Madison to engage in my profession. This choice was certainly not going to give me that financial success that many desire. Subsequently I dabbled in research primarily at Argonne National Laboratories, did a little teaching at North Park College and tried my hand at consulting which continued for several years. I finally settled on teaching. *** After [seventy one] years of marriage my wife continues to fill my life with joy. Her ageless beauty and warm smile gives the word "success" a new meaning to my life.

Al selflessly used his genius to promote the development of others. He taught science and coached basketball at Hopkinton HS in New Hampshire from 1956 to 1958, coached football at Oak Park River Forest HS from 1959-1977, taught chemistry there from 1959-1993 and was head of its science division from 1990-1993. He was a recipient of the Davidson Award for outstanding high school teaching of chemistry, an inductee into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Suburban Basketball Officials Award for his decades of high school basketball officiating. In retirement he turned to cycling and was recognized by the McHenry County Bicycle Club for his service to the Udder Century Project. From 7/07 to 7/08, he served as president of the Enterprise Club, a group of retired professionals whose company he enjoyed.

After spending his youth in Vermont and New Hampshire, Al lived in Contoocook, NH, Madison, WI, then Oak Park, River Forest, Harvard, Crystal Lake, and Northbrook, IL before returning to Oak Park, IL for his final months. He was a generous, fun, and loving spirit who created much good will and great memories during his lifetime; leaving many bereft by his death. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother, Bill and his wife Terry; he is survived by his wife, Alfa, son, Raymond (Susan), and daughter, Jeanette, his grandsons Jacob and Benjamin Bourey and Malcolm and Colin McDonough, nephews Alan (Donna) and James (Ann), niece Linda, great nephews Andrew, Benjamin, and Brian, great nieces Jennifer and Christine, and many cousins. A celebration of life is being planned.