Norman David Bourns

Norman David Bourns, age 87, a lifelong resident of Milford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025.

Born on July 22, 1938, to Cecil and Mary Margaret Bourns, Norman entered the world on his family's farm in Milford. He graduated from Milford High School in 1956 and soon after met the love of his life, Gail Claire Baur. The two were married on June 16, 1961, at Milford United Methodist Church, beginning a loving union that would last 64 wonderful years.

Together, Norman and Gail raised their three beloved children; Kenneth, Pamela, and Frederick; in Milford, where they created a warm and lively home filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed country living, raising animals including horses, rabbits, cows, and goats, and embracing the joy and responsibility of farm life. Norman was a devoted and loving father, and later took great pride and joy in becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather.

Professionally, Norman dedicated 36 years to General Motors at the Proving Grounds before his retirement. Committed to public service, he served as a Trustee for Milford Township for 22 years and volunteered alongside Gail for 10 years with Meals on Wheels, offering time and compassion to those in need.

Norman was a man of many interests. He enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, camping, and gardening, and never shied away from a spirited political conversation. In earlier years, he and Gail also spent 12 fun-filled years square dancing. Norman will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Claire Bourns; his children, Kenneth (Paulette) Bourns, Pamela Chester, and Frederick (Kelly) Bourns; his cherished grandchildren, Hayley (Brandon) Taylor, Kyle (Maire) Smith, Brandon (Rene) Bourns, Courtnee (Theodore) Buchmann, Joshua (Taylor) Antos, and Nicholas Bourns; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Bronson Taylor, Hudson Taylor, Silas Smith, Eva Smith, Sarah Smith, Melodee Buchmann, Alyssa Buchmann, and Angela Buchmann. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph Bourns and Charles Bourns, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Margaret Bourns; his brother, Gerald "Jerry" (Joann) Bourns; his son-in-law, Bruce Chester; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Bourns.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at 10:00 AM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Milford. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor David Huseltine. Interment and committal prayers will follow at Milford Memorial Cemetery.