Born on July 15, 1977 in San Francisco, California, Richard graduated from Round Rock High School then took courses in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. Richard was hardworking, loving, generous, and enjoyed keeping his home clean, cooking and barbequing. He always had a smile on his face no matter what he was going through, and he loved laughing and joking with his family and friends. Richard loved the Incredible Hulk, his Texas Longhorns and San Francisco 49ers. He loved to look sharp, and felt most comfortable in a suit and tie or his Texas Longhorn gear.
After a rough start and middle of his life, Richard finished strong. He was a Christian man that always gave praise to God no matter which phase of life he was in. He had such a loving and forgiving heart, and a smile that would light up any room. Even in the midst of his own struggles, Richard used his life experiences and struggles to help, mentor and guide others. Richard always had a way with words, both spoken and written, whether he was writing his wife the most amazing letters and poems, or delivering the most heart-felt prayers.
After entering foster care, Richard became an advocate for other foster youth as a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services local, state, and a National Youth Representative, as well as a National Youth Representative for NILA (National Independent Living Association). In high school he was also a UIL and TFA Speech and Debate Champion. After aging out of foster care, Richard served as a Texas House of Representatives Aide during the 1999 and 2001 sessions. The state Capitol has always held a special place in his heart, filling him with pride when he was able to take his son to visit years later, in 2022.
In 2005, Richard experienced another life-changing event when he lost his big sister, Peruna Kreshe Delanique Cooper. This loss was extremely difficult for him and it was only recently that he was able to fully process her death and find healing.
Working in sales and management for the majority of his life, Richard utilized his friendly, outgoing personality, and his heart to serve others as a natural salesperson. He had a strong work ethic and worked tirelessly to provide for his family: going in early, staying late, remaining willing to do anything that needed to be done for the team. In 2016, Richard began working with Austin Couch Potatoes and Furniture Mall of Texas as a salesperson then manager and had recently started a new role with Mattress Firm.
In May of 2016, Richard met the love of his life, Angelica Pena-Alfaro; after three years, they eloped in April 2019. Richard would always say that meeting Angelica changed his life forever. He credited God for bringing (and keeping) her in his life. He was able to experience unconditional love and acceptance, changing the trajectory of his life. From that moment on, he strived every day to be a better person, husband and father.
Although their relationship and marriage had many challenges, they remained committed to each other and to God. Richard was there for his wife and mother-in-law when his father-in-law was diagnosed with Cancer in July 2020, and when he passed away in November 2020. Just one month later, Richard was diagnosed with Leukemia, starting Chemotherapy shortly afterwards. The disease and medications took a major toll on his body, but he always tried his best to put on a smile. On those extra tough days, Richard would pump himself up with Pharrell Williams' "Happy" or DJ Khaled's "All I Do is Win". Richard loved to be silly, dance, and sing to make his wife and son smile, always staying true to his mission to bring joy to all those around him.
In December 2021, Richard received his greatest gift from God- his son Richard Jaime Bourne, aka Richie. The middle name, Jaime, was Richard's way to honor his beloved father-¬in-law. Richie is his pride and joy and he was one very proud "Da Da." If you ever talked to Richard, even for a second, you would have seen photos and/or heard about his son. Richard loved people, he loved his friends, and his friends became his family.
Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Peruna Kreshe Delanique Cooper, and father-in-law, Jaime Pena-Alfaro. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Angelica "Angie" Bourne; son, Richard Jaime "Richie" Bourne; mother, Kimberly Kelly Bourne; and mother-in-law, Carmen Pena-Alfaro. As well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins (biological and through marriage), as well as his friends turned family.
We would like to thank everyone for your love and support during this difficult time. May God bless each and every one of you!
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Bourne family.
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