Rene E. Bourdon, 92

ADAMS, Mass. —  

Mr. Rene' Eugene Bourdon, 92 of Adams, MA, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, after a short stay at the North Adams Commons, with his family by his side. He was born in Adams, MA on December 9, 1930, a son of Wilfred and Flora (Pinsonneault) Bourdon, one of eight boys and two girls. He attended Notre Dame schools until leaving to assist his parents with household finances and the raising of his younger siblings. He would often tell stories of he and his siblings climbing to the top of Mt. Greylock in the morning and then heading back down the mountain to return home in time for lunch. In his teen years, he was employed alongside his brother Wilfred II at Filiard's which later became Grande's Florist Shop in Adams. He was employed at the Arnold Print Works for 31 years as a Colorist. He enjoyed bowling with the Friday night Arnold Print Work League. In his younger years he also played semi-professional football. He was an avid player of Cribbage and took great enjoyment instructing beginners, including his children who all shared their Father’s enjoyment of the game. He was a member of the Cartier Club and the Turners in Adams. He became an apprentice to his cousin, Harold Levesque, learning the trade of carpentry, wallpapering and painting. He became known as the expert at vinyl wall covering and was highly sought in the Berkshires. With the closing of the Arnold Print Works in the early eighties, it allowed him the chance to earn his GED and to fulfill his dream of opening his own contracting business, Bourdon’s Decorators. Not only did this give him the opportunity to work side by side with his son Stuart, but it also allowed him to employ many of his nephews, making it truly a family operation. He retired in 2005 following the death of his son.

With the Arnold Print Works closing the first two weeks of July, every year for vacation Rene rented a pop-up trailer and in 1968 he packed the family up and made the first of many trips to Cape Cod. There we made many friends that we hold dear to this day. Our family eventually upgraded to a Holiday Trailer but always remembered our early years in the pop-up listening to the raindrops on the canvas. What fond memories we have.

Rene was a wonderful husband and father as he always found time to participate in activities with his family, fishing on Cheshire Lake, Camping at Historic Valley Campground, Ice Skating at Russell Field and attending his children’s softball and basketball games.

In his younger days he especially enjoyed music and dancing the Jitterbug! He was an avid reader of newspapers and sports magazines. He loved animals and looked forward to the airing of the Westminster Abbey Dog Show. He was a fan of all sports, especially the Patriots, the Red Sox and the Celtics. He had also assisted his wife with the Children’s Chinese Auction at Notre Dame Church for 18 years.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn (Haley) Bourdon whom he married on July 6, 1957, at Saint Francis Church in North Adams MA; three daughters, Donna Bourdon of Barnstable MA, Brenda Nistico of CT and Jacalyn Bullett, (Charles), of Stamford VT and Grandchildren, Ryan and Nicolle Nistico, one brother Robert Bourdon of Adams, MA and many nieces and nephews. He was previously deceased by his son, Stuart Bourdon, one grandchild, John H. Arigoni Jr., two sisters, Florence Albareda and Jeanette Adamczyk, six brothers, Edward, Leo, Louis, Francis, Wilfred II and Richard Bourdon.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date in the spring at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will also take place in the spring in Bellevue Cemetery, Section R. Memorial donations may be made to the Adams Ambulance Service, 185 Columbia St., Adams, MA 01220. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.