Bourne’s family confirmed the news on Facebook, saying it came “with sadness and relief.”
He was diagnosed with Stage 4 bladder cancer in late 2020 and his family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help him. The goal was to raise enough money to cover basic living expenses so she would not have to worry about work. In Saturday’s post, his family says Bourne died peacefully with his family next door. “Good thoughts and good wishes to all of you, at this sad time. He will live with his beautiful music,” the post said. Bourne was born in Red Deer and raised in rural Alberta. He started singing at the age of two, when he accompanied his parents’ band to performances. Bourne’s career began in 1975 and he was known for blending old roots, country, gospel and blues themes into his music.
