Richard Quandt Bourn Jr.

“Doing kind things without end, modest, generous, glad to lend” was Richard’s high school yearbook motto—and a reflection of how he lived his life.

Born in Hartford on April 6, 1946, to the late Richard Q. Bourn, Sr. and Florence (Parks) Bourn, Richard grew up in Glastonbury, CT, where he attended grade and middle school. During these formative years, his father taught him to sail and sparked his lifelong interest in hunting for Native American artifacts.

Richard graduated from Old Saybrook High School, class of 1964, where he served as team manager for the varsity soccer and basketball teams. After high school, he attended trade school to study jet and propeller aircraft engines and body frames. He went on to serve stateside in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

He purchased a home in Old Saybrook, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Richard worked as a Method Engineer at Pratt & Whitney in Middletown for 40 years before retiring in 2013. He was also a longtime member of The First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook.

In retirement, Richard continued to pursue his many passions. He enjoyed sailing his Bristol 24’ sailboat, researching genealogy, and publishing a supplement to the Bourne family genealogy. He was a prolific contributor to the website "Find A Grave," uploading thousands of gravestone photos and historical narratives. He also collected Native American artifacts, wrote articles for archaeology journals and had a fondness for black powder rifles—an interest he was always happy to share with others. His brother learned they are for left-handed or right-handed shooters, and if you use the wrong one, you risk burning off your eyebrow!

Since 1981, Richard had been a dedicated volunteer with the Old Saybrook High School Boys Soccer Team, serving as their photographer and capturing the spirit of the team for over four decades. He documented countless games and events, photographing both high school and middle school athletes and generously sharing the images with players, families, and the schools. In honor of his unwavering support, Old Saybrook High School dedicated their yearbook to him in both 2020 and 2025.

Richard is survived by his loving sister, Carolyn Armstrong; brothers, Edson Bourn and Cameron Bourn (and wife Susan); niece, Chelsea; nephews, Tyler and Matthew; and great-niece and great-nephew, Samantha and Jacob. He is also remembered with deep affection by generations of Old Saybrook students whose lives he touched with kindness, generosity, and quiet dedication.

To watch a short tribute to Richard and his years of dedication, please visit the video, "Glad to Lend" by Matt Johnson Media which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/oZRD3YPv4mM?si=7PeY3NXmSBlMevfD

Family and friends are invited to calling hours at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Cypress Cemetery, College Street, Old Saybrook, CT.