Lionel Andre Bourdens

Lionel Andre Bourdens - BOURDENS, LIONEL - Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 3, 2012 after a year long battle with brain cancer. Lionel was born October 7, 1932. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gloria, three sons: Dean (Anne) of San Jose, Leonard (Janine) and Dennis (Monica) all of Santa Rosa, five grandchildren; Nick, Veronica, Kelly, Georgia and Hunter Bourdens, brother Bruce (Betty) Bourdens of Santa Rosa, two sisters; Dolores Cooper of Redmond Oregon and Barbara Henderson of Santa Rosa along with many nephews and nieces, and his devoted dog, Celeste. He was born, raised and lived all his life in Santa Rosa. During his teenage years he worked on his grandfatherchr(39)s prune ranch. Lionel spent two summers working for the California Department of Forestry and a stint for the railroad. He worked for over 30 years installing central office equipment for Western Electric, a division of AT&T. He was very proud of his French and Basque heritage and was one of the few remaining active members of the Lafayette French Club in Santa Rosa. In addition, he was a member of the Eagles in Healdsburg, Vine Hill Druids and the Bodega Social Club. Lionel was Treasurer of The Sons of Bell Retirement Club. He enjoyed making home movies with his family and friends. It was not unusual to have 20 to 30 guests on a weekend shoot. Lionel, Gloria and friends traveled most of the U.S. as well as England, France, Spain, and many trips to Mexico over a twenty-year period. In addition, he enjoyed the great outdoors. He was the first Polio victim of the Santa Rosa epidemic in 1943. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him.