Nathan Bowden Bourque

Nathan Bourque, age 51, has lost a long and courageous battle with spinal cord injury. A former resident of Milton, Nathan was born in Boston. His undergraduate degree was from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and his graduate degree was from Gordon College in Wenham, MA.
Nathan broke his neck on graduation day in Amherst 29 years ago. His rehabilitation was at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, the leading hospital for spinal cord injury rehab at the time. He had a zest for life and went on to become a role model, earning a Masters Degree in Education and teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the Math Department at Quincy College. He was Assistant Soccer Coach for UMass Boston as well as Hingham High School. Soccer was always his passion. He was a very gifted instructor, conveying math concepts without ever being able to stand at a blackboard. He also used this gifted technique for private tutoring. He was also very proud of the certificates that he had earned in Broadcast Journalism, Soccer Coaching and Private Investing.
Nathan was dealt a difficult hand. He was a semi-professional player at the time of his accident, having planned a career as a professional soccer player. He reinvented himself after that accident with a career teaching advanced mathematics. That career was cut short six years ago when a brain injury from the original accident resurfaced, forcing him into a short-lived retirement. Once again, he was faced with reinventing himself. With so many doors closed to him, it was not easy, but he transitioned to a new career as a professional artist, painting abstract works in acrylic. Nathan exhibited his paintings widely, often winning competitions against able-bodied artists for various New England exhibitions. He has one last exhibition coming up at Milton Library in the Spring.
Nathan was the son of Michael H. Bourque of Boston and the late Susan E. Bowden. He was the brother of David Bourque and wife Beth of Plymouth, and Uncle of David and Samuel Bourque, as well as an extended family. His nephews were a great part of his life. Nathan was the son of the late Susan Bowden of Weymouth.
A Memorial Service will be held, Friday, November 21st, 2025, at the Paulist Center, 5 Park Street, Boston at 10 o'clock.
Donations should be made in lieu of flowers to SCI Boston (Spinal Cord Injury Association).
21
Nov
Memorial Service
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Paulist Center 5 Park Street Boston, MA