Richard Bourn Sr.

Richard Quandt Bourn, Sr., age 95 of Old Saybrook, CT died on April 11, 2013. Richard was born in Hartford, CT on September 28, 1917 to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Quandt) Bourn. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Florence Eugena (Parks) Bourn, and his sisters Elizabeth Gourley, Nancy (Pontillo) Koldenborg, and Susan Cooke Abvocino. While growing up in Hartford, CT he raised pigeons. His interest in flight found him walking to East Hartford to watch aircraft fly at the Pratt & Whitney airfield. He also made model airplanes. He graduated as class president from The Hartford Public High School in 1935. In 1939, he graduated from Tri-State College in Angoila, IN with a degree in Engineering. While attending college, Richard met his future wife, Florence Parks and they married in February of 1940.Upon graduation from college, he became employed as an engineer with Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford, CT where he worked until his retirement in 1974. In the early 1940’s, he began sailing which became a life-long passion of his. He taught others how to sail and helped deliver boats up and down the coast and once to the Virgin Islands via Bermuda.

Richard lived most of his life in Old Saybrook, CT and was a member of The First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook for over 50 years. He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Armstrong; sons Richard Q. Bourn, Jr., Edson Bourn, and Cameron Bourn and his wife Susan. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Tyler Bourn and his wife Kathryn, Chelsea Bourn, and Matthew Bourn. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Cypress Cemetery in Old Saybrook, CT. All are welcome to attend. Swan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com