Tributes for Burnham stalwart Hugh Bourn who died of ataxia

Stalwart Hugh Bourn died peacefully at home on March 24 after a two decade battle with ataxia.

Hugh was born in Rye, Sussex, in 1941.

Growing up, he developed an interest in building boats.

Hugh Bourn in his younger days

During the 1960s, he became serious about sailing and built eight 505-class dinghies over the next decade.

He went on to win a number of prestigious competitions, including the European Championship in Denmark in 1971, the National Championships in Torquay, Plymouth, Hayling Island and Brixham, and the 505 Inland Championships in Burnham.

He came fourth in the 1972 505 World Championship in Sweden, the same year he married wife, Pauline.

Hugh Bourn and his wife Pauline

After moving to Burnham in 1980 with his wife and sons, he set up the Burnham Studio in 1984 for his portrait photography.

Hugh also found time to establish the Burnham Archery Club in 1995 and took pictures of the waterside for Burnham Week.

He photographed hundreds of people throughout the 1980s and 90s, appeared in the Standard many times, and won several awards before retiring in 2002.

Hugh Bourn (right) being presented with an award by Gavin McCoy of Essex Radio

In his later years, he worked as a radio DJ on Saint FM, running the weekly Kinda Country show.

His family described him as “energetic” and a “high achiever”.

ON AIR: Hugh Bourn on the radio for Saint FM. He was also a keen photographer (inset)

In a tribute, they said: “He spent his last days in the beautiful home he worked so hard to help build, surrounded and supported by those who loved him.

“Hugh struggled with his illness for 19 years and it cruelly robbed him of so much.

“But his strength of will was a testimony to the man he always was, the tenacity of character that everyone will remember.

“Thank you to all those who have reached out already and shared their wonderful memories, from the glorious years of sailing to the many souls he captured with his photography.

Hugh Bourn with his sons (left to right) Julian, Simon and Adam

“The variety of interests he had and the success he had could only have been done with the energy he had.

“His passing is a tremendous loss to our family and we will miss him dearly, but we are also glad he can finally now rest peacefully.”

Hugh leaves behind his wife, sons Julian, Simon and Adam, and his grandchildren.

Photographer Hugh Bourn

A private funeral service will be held on April 30.

Those who wish to pay their respects can also donate to Ataxia UK by contacting Paul J King Funeral Directors in Burnham.

To leave a tribute, visit hughbourn.muchloved.com.