Robert-Bourdeau-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint

Robert L. Bourdeau

Flint, Michigan

Jun 3, 1941 – May 31, 2024

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BORN
June 3, 1941
DIED
May 31, 2024
LOCATION
Flint, Michigan

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Swartz Funeral Home - Flint Obituary

Bourdeau, Robert L. – of Fenton, age 82, died Friday, May 31, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. Visitation will occur between 1pm and 3pm followed by the Funeral service at 3pm Friday June 7th at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road.


Bob was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a loving, kind-hearted, humorous, imaginative, and patient person. His generosity knew no bounds, dedicating his time, energy, and resources to supporting others, including Whaley Children's Center and other local charitable organizations.


An accomplished entrepreneur, Bob had a passion for business and touched countless lives through his various enterprises and investments, which included the Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency.  The family Agency, started by his grandfather Al, grew tremendously under Bob’s leadership, growing from 1 to 5 locations: Flint, Port Huron, Clarkston, Farmington Hills and East Lansing.  


Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was a dedicated father and friend who found immense joy in NASCAR, Horse races, camping, skiing, boating, playing games, traveling, and storytelling with those he loved.


He will be dearly missed by many, and his legacy of love and kindness endures through his children: Robert (Kimberly) Bourdeau, Wendy Bourdeau (Andrew Hepburn), Kipp Bourdeau, Kimberly Bourdeau, and Roberta (Gary) Fike. Grandchildren: Haley Bourdeau, Lachlan and Macgregor Hepburn and Cameron and Skyler Ralph. He is also survived by his siblings Jacques (Marcia) Bourdeau, Suzanne (Ray) Visser, Michael (Jacki) Bourdeau, Lora (Bill) LaBean, Donald (Laura) Bourdeau and David (Kim) Bourdeau.


A special thank you to the phenomenal caregivers that helped Bob. Tammy Gwillim was an especially amazing friend that kept Bob interacting with friends, singing, reading and walking with him in the neighborhood on every nice day that they could.  


Bob is now reunited with his parents Ora and Donald Bourdeau, as well as his cherished son, Timothy Bourdeau.


In Lieu of Flowers please donate in honor of Robert L. Bourdeau to: Whaley Children's Center or Hospice Homes of Genesee and Lapeer.

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An old friend is gone before I could locate him. From Flint then Florida. If any one knows where Nancy (his first wife is ). Please send info to [email protected] Thank you. Lois Ploegstra 2/15/25

Bob was such a gentle man. I count myself lucky to have met him.

I sure feel blessed to have had such a wonderful Uncle. I’ve been sifting thru the memories: tubing on Lake Huron, bocce ball on the beach in Florida, an epic dinner at an insurance convention in Grand Rapids, Christmas in Lakeport, downhill skiing at Boyne, pranks in the North Channel..
He had the best laugh and the biggest smile. His eyes twinkled.
We’ve lost a great man who will be missed by many.

*My Brother
*My Close Friend
*Defender of the needy
*Driven by principal & conviction
Have deerly loves and missed him

Love, Jacques

Bob had a fantastic way of boiling things down to their essentials, along with an intuitiveness and sensitivity that stood-out while dealing with employees & customers. He made a lasting impression on me, and I miss him.

From the day I met Bob, he never stopped making me smile. He introduced me to the great legends, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and he had a wonderful laugh that could fill up a whole room. I will forever be grateful for our memories and time spent together. You will be dearly missed.

So, so sad to hear about losing another Kearsley High School Class of 1959 graduate. Bob was well liked & respected by everyone at school & was a friend to many. My husband Larry & I have been insured for many, many years through Bourdeau Insurance, giving business to our "Kearsley family". Rest in Peace dear classmate & big hugs to your family.

A TRUE FRIEND FOR SURE.....I WILL DEFINATELY MISS HIM A LOT....WE HAD MANY DAYTONA TRIPS AND BOATING OUTINGS THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND...LOVE YA ANDY

Wendy and family, Sending prayers of peace and comfort to you all. May the wonderful memories you had with your dad stay with you forever and bring a smile to your face. Love, Tiffany and Ken Belford