Thomas Lawrence Bourke's Obituary
Stanwood - Thomas Lawrence Bourke, 83, of Stanwood, passed away peacefully April 28, 2018, at Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center surrounded by his family.
He was born February 11, 1935 in Escanaba, the son of Harry and Ann (Lawrence) Bourke. Tom joined the Army in 1955. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he met his wife, Jane. They were married on August 9, 1958.
Tom followed his passion for golf by becoming a PGA golf professional. First by becoming an assistant pro at Huron Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor and later as the first Head Pro at Raisin River Golf Club in Monroe. He also worked as a AAA Insurance Salesman/Manager for 17 years, and as the owner of The Little Store in Six Lakes for seven years.
He was an active member of the Lions Club and the Civics club in Ida. He was scoreboard operator and announcer for Ida High School sporting events for many years. His passion for athletics and family was evident with his attendance at countless sporting events for his children and grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the cabin on the Muskegon river, which eventually became their home. He was a long-time member of Meceola Country Club. In his retirement years, Tom enjoyed spending winters at Shady Brook Resort in Sumterville, Florida with Jane where they were surrounded by a close-knit community of friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jane (McLeod) Bourke; his four children, Tom (Ann) Bourke of Dearborn, Terry Bourke of Newaygo, Valerie Hadder of Big Rapids, and Larry (Patsy) Bourke of Big Rapids; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Sally (Bob) Manzagol of Canadian Lakes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Harry and Richard Bourke.
Tom's final wish was to follow in the footsteps of his father to become a body donor at Michigan State University. A lifelong State fan will now be a Spartan forever! To meet Tom was to become a friend forever. His irresistible smile, great sense of humor, and positive energy will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 2, 2018 from 5 - 9 P.M. at Clear Lake Golf Club in Big Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions in Tom's memory can be made to Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center (give.spectrumhealth.org) where he received excellent care.
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