Roger David Bourdon

The son of an engineer and reserve Army officer, Roger moved over 28 times in his life and felt comfortable just about anywhere in the country. He served in the US Air Force, studied Psychology at San Diego State, St. Mary’s University, and Florida State University. After acquiring his PhD from FSU, he served on the faculties of both FSU - where he was Founding Director of their Veterans Counseling Center - and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Roger left academia in 1973. He was a pioneer in the application of behavioral psychology in business and spent the next thirty years as a management consultant working with clients such as J.P. Stevens and Co., Perdue, Inc., and AT&T. He retired in 2004.

Roger enjoyed many years playing tennis, downhill skiing, fishing, playing golf, driving sports cars, and riding motorcycles. He had a passion for sailing and enjoyed many adventures on the Chesapeake Bay, the coast of the Carolinas, the Caribbean, and the Greek Islands.

His exacting nature made him a highly skilled and sought-after woodworker. He also restored a historical Sears home in Greenville and many fine antiques for friends.

He leaves behind Joan Duncan Bourdon, his wife of 17 years; his daughter, Kimberly A. Gifford (Ron) of Chandler, AZ; and his sister, Joan Mitchell of San Diego, CA, and nephew Craig Mitchell, CA, three grandchildren Aubrey (Josh) Watt, Austin (Alicia) Gifford, Ashyln (Hugh) Scanlon, and ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by his step-children Christopher Duncan (Linzy) and Bonnie Duncan (Dan Milstein) and seven step-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by brother-in-law Mitch Mitchell, niece Terri Mitchell, nephew Mike Mitchell, and mother-in-law Mary Wright.

He will be remembered for his woodworking skills, his enthusiasm for new adventures, and his love of a good story after a glass of Scotch with friends.

To honor Roger, donations can be made to American Diabetes Association (Georgia, Alabama, & South Carolina chapter), Positive Approach to Care, Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina.

A Memorial Service is planned for a later date.