Name: Visitation for Charles Edward Bourdon
Start: 2023-08-11T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-08-11T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - White Lake Chapel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Edward Bourdon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed member of his community. Charles departed this world July 18, 2023, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Charles was born Dec. 11, 1930, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Ivan and Rhoda Bourdon. He was a man of many passions and endless dedication to his family. A loving husband to his wife, Joyce, of almost 70 years, he was a pillar of support and strength, always there with a warm smile, an open heart, and a big hug. Charles was the epitome of a devoted father, raising six children, and instilling in them the values of faith, compassion, hard work, perseverance, and a great sense of humor.

Prior to and during his career he served in the Navy Reserves. His professional life was marked by his commitment to education. For 33 years, he served as a principal in the Whitehall school district, where he touched the lives of countless students and faculty members. Charles had an innate ability to connect with children, and his genuine enthusiasm for education shone through in everything he did. Many will remember him for his captivating storytelling sessions, which became longer as he grew older.

When Charles wasn't dedicating his time to shaping young minds, he found solace and joy in various hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and serenity in the great outdoors. He possessed a remarkable skill in card games and was always ready for a friendly competition, his laughter and camaraderie bringing people together. One of his greatest pleasures was embarking on winter trips with his "Princess" to Punta Gorda, Florida, where they brought the party to wherever they went.

Above all, Charles will be remembered for his kind-hearted nature, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His warm smile, infectious laughter, and compassionate spirit touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Charles's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless lives he impacted throughout his lifetime.

Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenae Mura. He is survived by: his beloved wife, Joyce; his children, Gregg (Dawn) Bourdon of Newaygo, MI, Gary (Jayne) Bourdon of Florissant, CO, Jeff (Debbie) Bourdon of Dexter, MI, Bruce (Melissa) Bourdon of Simpsonville, SC, Mike (Brenda) Bourdon of Whitehall, MI, and son-in-law, Bill Mura of Whitehall, MI; grandchildren, Kristen Mura, Kyle Mura, Kori Ramirez, Christopher Bourdon, Nicholas Bourdon, Matthew Bourdon, Brant McKay, Karlie Jones, Travis Bourdon, Brittany Racine, Brianne Singletary, Blake Bourdon, Austin Bourdon, Ashley Van Bergen, and Alison Johnson; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Though Charles's physical presence may be gone, his spirit will forever remain an inspiration to us all. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing that he made a profound difference in the lives of so many.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Charles's life at a memorial service which will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, 413 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461. The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m., and at 10 a.m. until time of services Saturday, Aug 12, 2023, at the funeral home. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Ealy Elementary School, 425 East Sophia Street, Whitehall, MI 49461, in the Charles Bourdon Gymnasium.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by White Lake Beacon from Jul. 30 to Aug. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bourdon

Sponsored by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - White Lake Chapel.

10 Entries

Peter Bennett

December 7, 2023

I just found out about his passing. Charlie interviewed me in his ice house for my first job. I stayed for 20 years. What a great principal, a great guy and a great boss. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Donna Will

August 3, 2023

Mr.Bourdon hired me to be a 2nd grade teacher at Whitehall elementary school. I worked in a portable in the 70's. Mr Bourdon was easy to get along and always wanted to try new teaching methods.
He wanted the best for everyone and he enjoyed talking to kids in the hallways.

Jack Mansfield

July 27, 2023

So sorry to hear of Charley's passing. I have fond memories of working with him for 12 years. He was and excellent elementary principal and a good friend. He kept us all on our toes and a smile on our face!!

lynn glaser

July 27, 2023

Sadness fills my heart today as I find out that the yard full of cars the other day was Charlie´s passing!!

What a hole Charlie leaves in Joyce´s heart as well as his children and their families!!

Too, he made such a difference in the lives of sooooo many children and their families over more than 33 years as an Educator!! He was such a huge credit to our profession, a role model, and the Whitehall community where he was born!!

Our deepest sympathies to you, the Bourdon family and friends, from lynn and the Glaser Girls: TaraLynn; TanaLee "Tani"; and TavaLayne "Tavi" Glaser Finn.

Tim Bissell

July 27, 2023

My heart goes out to the family..Mr Bourdon was my principal during my school days.No matter how busy he was he always seemed to find time to stop & talk with the students He gave me alot of advice that i still use today.He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all

Ginny Foster

July 26, 2023

To the family of Charlie B. I remember his warm smile and ready engagement in whatever was good for kids and the community. Sending you all comfort and good memories as you mourn his passing. Ginny Foster and sons, Tom and Mitch remember him with gratefulness.

Kathy Burress

July 25, 2023

My condolences to Joyce and family. As my dad’s best friend, Charlie was our ‘honorary’ Uncle. Our big families did a lot of camping together, as well as I’m sure a lot of deer/turkey camps (and a few martinis) too. He and Joyce were nice enough to agree to be my Master and Mistress of ceremony. They always bring the fun. Our community will be impacted by his passing.

Jan Raffaele

July 25, 2023

We are so sad to see of Charlie´s passing. We lived right across the street from the Bourdons in Whitehall for 37 years. My husband became fun story telling friends with Charlie out in our garage...later on.
Our condolences to Joyce and the Bourdon family..

Jerry & Lee Dickinson

July 25, 2023

Charlie was always full of humor even when I first met him as a teenager when babysitting for the Bourdon children. We were happy that he was at the helm as all three of our children went through elementary school under his leadership. Bourdon Family, you are in our prayers as we know his absence will be greatly missed. We are sorry that we cannot be present for his memorial service since our son Tom's Change of Command Ceremony is scheduled at the same time.

Jerry & Lee (Lundell) Dickinson

Jeannie Radley

July 24, 2023

I recognized the photo of Mr. Bourdon before I even noted his name here in his obituary. I am one of the many, many students in Whitehall who were fortunate enough to have Mr. Bourdon as their principle. He was a kind man, a well respected and fair principle and I remember him with fondness.

I am in my early 70s now, so he was quite young when he was principle back in my youth.

My heart goes out to his family and loved ones in his loss. May wonderful memories of shared years together warm your hearts.

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