Douglas Bourdon

Douglas Ernest Henry Bourdon, our much loved brother, son, friend, uncle, nephew and cousin left our lives November 16th, 2021.

Doug was born in Alamogordo, NM on May 30, 1982 to Ralph and Kathy Bourdon. At a young age, Doug showed a great talent for music, including an impressive mastery of the piano. He enjoyed playing the baritone in the high school band and was a naturally gifted guitarist. Doug loved playing music either with friends or solo and always had a song to share. He spent time in Boy Scouts, played football, ran cross country, and was in the school marching band. Doug, like his father, had an insatiable desire to know how things worked, and was constantly tinkering with electronics. He would often be able to solve a problem with a small part, the right tool and sharp skill.

Doug had an impressive and diverse resume and enjoyed a multitude of careers from barista to apprentice electrical journeyman. In 2006 he joined the United States Air Force, a membership he shared with his parents and sister. Throughout Doug’s short life he was most proud of his time and service in the Air Force, and spent time in England, New Mexico, Florida, and Italy. After eight years of proudly serving our country, he closed his active-duty service chapter to pursue higher education.

Following his years of service, Doug took the opportunity to advance his skillset by earning an Associates Degree in Electronics Technology. It was during this period that he won a state championship in electrical assembly, a feat that helped pave the way to his dream job at Sandia National Laboratory, where he had been employed the last three years after relocating to Rio Rancho, NM.

Most recently, Doug enjoyed strong coffee, neat whiskey, and red enchiladas. He loved motorcycles, shooting guns, Volkswagens, and practicing his DJ skills. He liked dogs, cats, and Mario Kart. Doug was a road warrior, always willing to put in the time and effort to visit his friends and family. Doug immensely loved his nieces, and enjoyed spending time with them making food, playing games, and sharing music. Doug deeply wanted a family of his own, but until that happened, he was willing to pour his energy into other relationships both old and new. He would have been an amazing dad.  

Our hearts are broken more than we ever thought possible. Doug had willing and helping hands and he had the biggest and most generous heart. He had time for everybody. We are going to miss him fiercely, and our lives, although rich, will never be whole again.  

Doug passed peacefully in his sleep, in his home, due to natural causes.  Doug left goals and dreams unfulfilled but had recently realized great progress in the slow march to the kind of life he wanted to lead. He never gave up. Doug is survived by his mother Kathy, older brother Marc (Sarah), younger sister Jacque Barker (Luke), and his nieces, Charlee, Scarlett and Jocelyn as well as several cousins, aunts and many friends. Doug was preceded in death by his father and best friend Ralph, in August 2021. He was also preceded in death by all his Grandparents in previous years.

We will host a memorial service in Doug’s honor at the Scenic Chapel, in Alamogordo, NM on Saturday, December 4th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please consider offering your kindness, time or hands to help someone in need, as Doug would have.

The Bourdon family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the services.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Bourdon, please visit our floral store.