J. Dale Bourdess

BOURDESS – J. Dale, Jr., 66, Sidman, went to be with our Lord March 31, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 28, 1952, in Johnstown, son of Joseph and Elaine (English) Bourdess.

Preceded in death by parents; nephews, Lynn II and Aaron Bourdess. Survived by devoted wife and best friend of nearly 40 years, Susan (Adams), whom he married April 7, 1979; children, Melissa “Misty,” wife of Jason Wilt, South Fork; Trina, wife of Brad Schaeffer, St. Michael; and Adam, Sidman; grandchildren, Dava, Kieran, Toby and Lucas; brother, Lynn, and wife, Barbara (Yendzik), Sidman; sister, Naomi Maul, Portage; nieces, Renee Maul, Portage; Katie Maul, Vandergrift; Cynthia Fleck, Portage; mother-in-law, Arlene (Miller) Adams, Summerhill; and numerous nieces, nephews and other beloved family and friends.

Dale was a 1970 graduate of Forest Hills High School. He was a 1976 alum of Slippery Rock State College. Mr. Bourdess taught at North Star, retiring in 2012 after 30 years of teaching. He previously taught at Forest Hills, Richland, Johnstown Vo-Tech, and Ferndale. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Sidman, he also attended Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, Sidman.

Dale was dedicated to community service. He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years, even traveling to Philmont in 1969. He received the Pro Deo et Patria Award (1969), the District Award of Merit (1989), the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor Member (1990), the Founder's Award (1990), the Silver Beaver Award (1993), and the Purple Quiver in 2005 and 2010. He held many positions on councils and boards, including Penn's Woods Council (Commissioner 2005-2010), Nachamawat Advisor, Laurel Highlands Council, Adams-Croyle Recreation Authority, and South-Fork Croyle Recreation Authority, to name a few. He enjoyed time as a wrestling coach at Forest Hills, Richland and North Star for over 20 years. He was always happy to recount his time coaching with the All-Star wrestlers that traveled to New Zealand in 1983. Dale adored his wife, children and grandchildren, his extended family, and the many friends he met along his path. Dale inspired countless scouts, wrestlers, students, but especially his family. His words were often profound and will be sorely missed. His passion could be felt in every discussion. Dale was bestowed the name Acknolodom, meaning Deep Thinker, by the OA, and it was a perfect fit. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity and kindness.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork.

Visitation will also be held at the church from 1:30 p.m. until time of Funeral Service at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, 599 Fairview Avenue, Sidman, Pastor Tom Moore presiding.

Dinner at the Buckhorn Grange immediately following service.

Interment at a later date.

Memorial donations can be directed to the CAMP FUND, C/O Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, 599 Fairview Avenue, Sidman, PA 15955.