Darrell Bourque

Darrell J. Bourque, age 65, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 22, 2012. He was born on Tuesday, January 21, 1947, in Dover, New Jersey, the son of Joseph George and Doris E. (Carr) Bourque. He has been a resident of Ottawa since 1965, moving from Succasunna, New Jersey. Darrell graduated from Roxbury High School in Succasunna, New Jersey, with the class of 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education from Ottawa University in 1969; and master’s degree in secondary administration from Emporia State University. Darrell started his time at Ottawa High School as a student teacher while attending Ottawa University. The following year, the 1968-69 school year, he was hired as a biology teacher and head wrestling coach. He continued as head wrestling coach for sixteen years, assistant football coach for twenty years, served as assistant track coach for more than fifteen years, and finished having been head golf coach for over twenty years. Darrell worked in administration for several years as well as teaching at Ottawa High School. He served on many committees in the USD 290 school district including NCA Evaluation Committee as a member and chair and the Curriculum Committee. Also while at Ottawa High School, Darrell spent several years as the liaison with the military recruiters and enjoyed his contact with them greatly. He was a respected and much loved teacher and co-worker who had an impact on thousands of lives throughout his years at Ottawa High School. Darrell’s contribution to Ottawa High School and the Ottawa community was immeasurable. He retired from Ottawa High School in May of 2007. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. Following his retirement from Ottawa High School, he was elected to the USD 290 School Board in 2009, where he was vice president and served just as diligently in that role as he did in all his positions at Ottawa High School. He also served as a member of the OHS Site Council, continuing to support and contribute to the students, staff and programs at Ottawa High School. Darrell was united in marriage with Beverly Kuykendall. They were later divorced. On Saturday, December 30, 1989, Darrell was united in marriage with Nancy (Christian) Love in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home in Ottawa. He is survived by his: Wife – Nancy Bourque of their home; Mother – Doris E. (Carr) Bourque-Pelka of Wichita, Kansas; Daughter – Danielle Cagle and her husband, Todd, of Wolfe City, Texas; Son – Robert Bourque of Los Angeles, California; Daughter – Kristian Olsen of Olathe, Kansas; Brother – Dennis C. Bourque and his fiancée, Lorrie, of Wichita, Kansas; Stepsister – Debra Gorog of Wharton, New Jersey; Grandchildren (5) – Alexis, Jed, Kevin, Ben, and Nigel and Father and Mother-in-law – Jack and Martha Christian of Ottawa, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his: Father – Joseph George Bourque and Stepfather – Robert Pelka. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at the Ottawa University’s Fredrikson Chapel, 1001 S. Cedar in Ottawa, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012. VISITATION: Family will meet with friends at Ottawa University’s Fredrikson Chapel from 7:00 to 8:30 Friday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Darrell Bourque OHS Scholarship Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Online guest register may be signed at www.dengelmortuary.com.