George Boursaw

george boursaw

October 22, 1942 ~ May 23, 2023

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

George Henry Boursaw, 80, died Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on October 22, 1942, to the late Garrett and Clarissa Boursaw. George was raised on the Old Mission Peninsula where his family had a cherry farm, to which he returned to work during summer breaks from college. George graduated St. Francis High School and then from Northwestern Michigan Junior College with an Associate Degree. He then graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964, Syracuse University with a Master of Arts in 1968 and a Master of Science in 1970. He was a high school math teacher at Iron River School from 1964 to 1967 and the Brown City Community Schools from 1970 to 1989. George also served as a Math Instructor at the Sanilac County Math and Science Center from 1989 to 1996 for the gifted and talented students. George and his wife Cathy married on August 29, 1970, and were married for 52 years. They treasured their lives as grandparents after their move to Danville in 2011. George enjoyed outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and hiking, especially in National Parks. George loved to garden. He was a published author having written the book, Migrant Times and Other Musings as well as several articles about his time growing up in northern Michigan. George was a member of the Danville Writer’s Group and supported many of the local arts. In addition to his parents, George is predeceased by his siblings, Tug Boursaw, Jimmy Boursaw, Jack Boursaw, Jerry Boursaw and Shirley Barnes. George is survived by his wife, Catherine; sons, Eric (Beth) Boursaw and Blake (Govind Adhikari) Boursaw; grandson, John Boursaw; brother Bryce Boursaw; sister-in-law, Jane Boursaw; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 11 am to 12 pm prior to the service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Danville. The Celebrant will be Father Anthony McLaughlin. Serving as pallbearers are Bill Thomas, Darin Pendergraft, Kevin Heighton, Greg Hull, Curtis House and Jerry Meyer. Burial will be in Danville Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Building Fund. Visitation: 11am, Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Mass: 12pm, Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Burial: Danville Memorial Gardens

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Mr. Boursaw was one of my very favorite teachers during my time at Brown City Schools, graduated in 1983. He always challenged us and encouraged us in everything. I often still refer to him in various work situations because he taught us so much about life, as well as math! Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. He was an icon!

    Reply

  3. Kathy and family, So sorry to hear of George\’s passing. Just hearing the name brings back all kinds of good and happy memories of almost fifty years ago when we were all involved at Brown City schools. One of the best is the freezer box house they all played in. Please accept my sympathy and prayers for your peace for the days ahead! Sending love and good wishes Janet

    Reply

  5. So much more than an incredible math teacher, Mr. Boursaw was an awesome life guide. So many young lives, including mine, were impacted in his Brown City High School classroom. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

    Reply

  6. Such a wonderful man and an excellent educator. I hear his squeaky voice reminding me to \”put all the letters on one side and the numbers on the other\” every time I help my own students. Prayers for Peace to those he left behind.

    Reply

  7. Mr. Boursaw was a great teacher and I have fond memories of him and his class. Praying for Mrs. Boursaw and the family.

    Reply

  8. So sorry to hear about George , he and Cathy introduced me to the joy of watching live plays. George will be missed by many.

    Reply

  11. Mr. Boursaw was a great teacher and we were fortunate to be taught math by someone of his caliber. I’ve used some of his sayings and techniques over the years with helping my own children with their homework. Please accept my condolences.

    Reply

  12. Unfortunately we don’t tell the people who influence our lives how important their influence has been until it is too late. I hope Mr. Boursaw knew how many lives he influenced. He was a phenomenal teacher and a terrific person. Ask any of his former students and they would tell you, “I use what Mr. Boursaw taught everyday”. There are few teachers who stay in our minds forever. Thank you, Mr. Boursaw, for being one of the best!

    Reply

  15. Mr. Boursaw was my math teacher at Brown City High School, class of \’78. He truly inspired me to be my best in learning math skills which also led my interest in sciences and ultimately engineering. I\’m retired from a successful Electronics Engineering career; culminating to a Sr. Dir. position. I share this as I feel I owe much of my success to Mr. Boursaw\’s excellent teaching and dedication. He taught difficult topics on an even level; to this day… I remember \’My Dear Aunt Sally\’… Multiply and Divide before you Add and Subtract. He really left an impact on my life. The Boursaw family is in my heart and prayers for your loss.

    Reply

  17. As a teacher myself, I find myself repeating his little math jingles to my students! (“ You can’t do that!” Or, “ Invert & Multiply”) He was defn memorable and kind and just genuine… rest in peace! To his wife and boys: “ Hold your memories close,…” Holly Burgess, class of 1986

    Reply

  21. I was very sad to receive the news of Mr. Boursaw\’s passing. He was one the most consequential teachers I\’ve had at any course level. I was fortunate to have taken his Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry classes at BCHS. Though I regret not being in touch with him recently, I was able to visit him at the old high school a few years after graduating. He was eager to know how I was using math in my career and how he could further improve his coursework. As others have stated, he made math fun with memorable phrases and relatable examples. I feel very blessed to have known and learned from him. Dave Saylor, BCHS \’81

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle