Brent Bourne, 58

Brent Bourne passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, Aug. 16, in Broomfield, Colo.

Born on Feb. 26, 1968, at St Luke’s Hospital in Spokane, Wash., to Howard Bourne and the late Donnette (Keison) Bourne. Brent grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and from an early age, he excelled as both an athlete and a student. A star player on the Little League fields and basketball courts, Brent helped lead his high school team to victory at the 1985 Idaho State High School Football Championship.

His athletic talent and academic achievements earned him recruitment to play football at the United States Military Academy at West Point. After attending the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, Brent graduated from West Point in 1991 and was commissioned as an Air Defense Officer. He honorably served six years on active duty in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Germany, followed by continued service in the Army Reserve, before building a successful corporate career marked by quiet excellence, humility, and integrity.  

While at West Point, Brent met the love of his life, Judy Zemko, whom he later married. Together, they built a beautiful family, and Brent was a deeply devoted and loving father to his daughters, Elizabeth and the late Allison.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Bourne of Broomfield, Colo.; his daughter, Elizabeth Bourne of Denver, Colo.; his father, Howard Bourne of Spokane Valley, Wash.; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bryan (Jenny) Bourne and Brandon (Audry) Bourne. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donnette Bourne, and his daughter, Allison Bourne. 

Brent was defined by his extraordinary kindness, gentle leadership, and good heart. He treated everyone with respect, listened deeply, and brought warmth and dignity to every room he entered.              

Memorial Donations: Before his passing, Brent’s clear wish was to leave a lasting mark on the high school football program that shaped him — he made the initial deposit toward a football locker room improvement project at Coeur d’Alene High School. His teammates from both Coeur d’Alene High School and West Point are honoring that wish by completing the project in his name, on behalf of both football teams. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coeur d’Alene High School football program to help finish the locker room project.

• Checks can be made payable to TD Club and mailed to: Coeur d’Alene High School, Attn: Coach Amos, 5530 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

• Venmo: @TD-Club-1 (0611 = 4-digit code; please note “locker room project” in the description)

Thank you for helping carry forward Brent’s final act of support for the program that gave him so much and that he loved.

    Bourne