Elwin Earle Bourey
Oak Park, IL – Elwin “Al” Bourey died on September 16, 2025 at
JourneyCare hospice in Chicago after a long decline. Born in
Proctorsville, VT on November 7, 1933, to Raymond and Clarice
(Merriam) Bourey, Al was the younger brother of William. In looking to
sum up a life well lived, his self-written bio for the McHenry County
Enterprise Club does it best in his typical style of casual humility:
My primary interest in going to college at what is now Plymouth State
University was to play basketball. Soon I found other reasons,
chemistry and a gorgeous coed named Alfa. By spring break of my junior
year I was still playing basketball, studying chemistry and was
married to that young lady. A few years later opportunities became
available for young people with an interest in science. After taking
advantage of a few such as NSTA and AAAS, I chose to drop out of the
lengthy and arduous doctoral program in [physical] chemistry at UW
Madison to engage in my profession. This choice was certainly not
going to give me that financial success that many desire. Subsequently
I dabbled in research primarily at Argonne National Laboratories, did
a little teaching at North Park College and tried my hand at
consulting which continued for several years. I finally settled on
teaching. *** After [seventy one] years of marriage my wife continues
to fill my life with joy. Her ageless beauty and warm smile gives the
word “success” a new meaning to my life.
Al selflessly used his genius to promote the development of others. He
taught science and coached basketball at Hopkinton HS in New Hampshire
from 1956 to 1958, coached football at Oak Park River Forest HS from
1959-1977, taught chemistry there from 1959-1993 and was head of its
science division from 1990-1993. He was a recipient of the Davidson
Award for outstanding high school teaching of chemistry, an inductee
into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a
recipient of the Suburban Basketball Officials Award for his decades
of high school basketball officiating. In retirement he turned to
cycling and was recognized by the McHenry County Bicycle Club for his
service to the Udder Century Project. From 7/07 to 7/08, he served as
president of the Enterprise Club, a group of retired professionals
whose company he enjoyed.
After spending his youth in Vermont and New Hampshire, Al lived in
Contoocook, NH, Madison, WI, then Oak Park, River Forest, Harvard,
Crystal Lake, and Northbrook, IL before returning to Oak Park, IL for
his final months. He was a generous, fun, and loving spirit who
created much good will and great memories during his lifetime; leaving
many bereft by his death. He was preceded in death by his parents and
beloved brother, Bill and his wife Terry; he is survived by his wife,
Alfa, son, Raymond (Susan), and daughter, Jeanette, his grandsons
Jacob and Benjamin Bourey and Malcolm and Colin McDonough, nephews
Alan (Donna) and James (Ann), niece Linda, great nephews Andrew,
Benjamin, and Brian, great nieces Jennifer and Christine, and many
cousins. A celebration of life is being planned.