David Edward Bourne, M.D.

David Edward Bourne, M.D., 57, died at his home in Little Rock of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) on August 29th, 2011. He was born in Little Rock on August 27, 1954 to William Edward Bourne and Mary Catherine Williams Bourne. Following undergraduate education at Hendrix College, he received an M.S. in Forest Ecology from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and an M.D. degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed a residency in Family and Community Medicine at UAMS and realized that he could have a greater impact on the health of Arkansans by working to prevent disease in populations, rather than treating individuals. He then went to the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and received an MPH degree and a Masters in Health Policy and Management. Dr. Bourne worked for the Arkansas Department of Health for 15 years and distinguished himself as a leader, mentor and visionary in crafting and guiding public health policy in Arkansas. As a result of his tenacity and abilities, Arkansas today stands alone in its dedication of all the Tobacco Master Settlement Award funds for health promotion and disease prevention programs. In 2001, he promoted the adoption of rules of the State Board of Health to prohibit smoking in public places, including restaurants. The ensuing public discourse and discussion about the dangers of environmental tobacco smoke led to state legislation prohibiting smoking in medical facilities, workplaces and automobiles with young children as passengers. His career in public health also included securing federal funding for Breast and Cervical Cancer Control capacity building program in the 1990s and he was awarded the Josetta Wilkins Award. He also contributed service and leadership in the field of communicable diseases. He was President of the Arkansas Public Health Association in 2001. In recognition of Dr. Bourne's leadership in the area of public health policy in Arkansas, the Arkansas Public Health Association Executive Board voted unanimously to establish the "Dr. David E. Bourne Public Health Award" to be awarded annually to the public health worker who best exemplifies the aptitude and skill in shaping and advocating sound public health policy in Arkansas. Dr. Bourne worked for 5 years in the Primary Care Clinic at the Central Arkansas Veteran's Healthcare System. He cared for veterans with spinal cord injuries and was known for his compassion, dedication and good humor. He was President of the Pulaski County Medical Society in 2002. Dave had many roles, attributes and avocations: husband, father, doctor, political animal, friend, teacher, squirrel hunter, runner, mountain climber, paddler, tree surgeon, botanist and beer enthusiast. He was known for his strength, fearlessness, intelligence, generosity and dry wit. He was always ready to provide social opportunities and fine microbrews for his wide circle of friends. There was no job too dirty or favor too large - he was always ready to help. He touched a large number of people and was loved and will be missed by many. After being diagnosed with ALS, Dave climbed five 14 thousand foot peaks, including Mt Whitney in California, hiked part of the Colorado trail and canoed most of the Buffalo River. He dealt with ALS on his own terms, living with the disease rather than dying with it. He never complained. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Dr. Paula J. Anderson of Little Rock, son, Ian Bourne of Tahlequah, Okla.; parents Mary C. and William E. Bourne of northernPope County; sisters, Jenny Bourne of Central, S.C. and Maj. Joanna Bourne of the USAF (stationed in Afghanistan); brothers Phillip Bourne, Don Bourne and Bob Bourne of Russellville and Tim Bourne of Visalia, Calif. The family would like to thank Dr. Stacy Rudnicki and the ALS clinic at UAMS and Arkansas Hospice. Dave donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at UAMS. A celebration of Dave's life will be held September 10th, noon to 2 p.m. at Vino's Microbrewery in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U of A Foundation David Bourne Scholarship, 4301 W. Markham, Mail Slot 642, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. This scholarship will be awarded to a medical student or resident who exhibits interest and aptitude in public health policy to obtain a Masters of Public Health at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Online guestbook: www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. And about enjoying life and nature in its many moods? It's Larrupin'. Cheers.