Daniel “Dan” or “Danny” Bourquin, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, KS.
Born on March 2, 1940, Daniel grew up on a family farm north of Colby with his sisters, Edna and Gwen. He worked hard on his family farm and enjoyed being an athlete as well. He graduated from Colby High School in 1959, and attended Kansas State University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1964. It was at Kansas State University, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Shirley White, beginning their lifelong love story.
In the year 1977, a young farmer by the name of Dan Bourquin was consistently removing weeds by hand from his crops. After days and weeks of this continued manual labor, this young man began to design and form a better and more efficient solution. This is when Dan’s invention, the Organic Weed Puller, was born. Nationwide success soon followed as many farmers tested this added feature and discovered a healthy solution to their weed problem. In the late seventies, Dan Bourquin packed up his family in an RV to attend farm shows and farmer’s homes, while his two sons saw the countryside in the loft window of the RV with fond memories of family fishing trips along the way.
While his family worked hard on their own family farm, Dan always made it a priority to include time for fun. From going to the movies to getting chocolate malts at the local Dairy Queen, he always made time for his family to enjoy each other’s company and have fun too.
Dan Bourquin was never short on ideas and loved thinking outside of the box with a heart to improve others’ quality of life. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and loved working with his beloved wife, Shirley. Together, they opened Bourquin’s Old Depot Restaurant, RV Park and Campground. It was known for the friendly atmosphere and home cooking. They also hosted a bluegrass festival on the campground that was enjoyed by many in the community.
Dan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He dedicated his life to his family and community, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his kind, creative and entrepreneurial spirit and the love and humor he shared with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Edna Hoyt and infant sister. He is survived by his spouse, Shirley Bourquin and his two sons, Chad (Tami) Bourquin and Bret (Jennie) Bourquin and his five grandchildren, Micah, Mikala and Bret Bourquin and Olivia and Abraham Bourquin, as well as his sister Gwen Beauchamp.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Colby United Methodist Church, 950 S Franklin Ave, Colby. The family asks that flowers be sent to Colby United Methodist Church. Cards can be sent to the family’s address: 11937 W. 119th St., Suite 189, Overland Park, KS. 66213.