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News / Obituaries / Southampton Press / 1474905

William T. Bourke

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author on Aug 6, 2008

A celebration of the life of William T. Bourke, who died on December 2, 2007, will be held at Sagg Main Beach on what would have been his 88th birthday, August 11, starting at 6 p.m. Drumming is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Known to all as “Bill,” he was born in Ithaca, New York, on August 11, 1920, to parents who both worked at Cornell University. His early fascination with the natural world, birds in particular, was cultivated by Professor Allen, with whom he studied during his undergraduate years at Cornell.

Mr. Bourke went on to Tulane University where he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in psychology on his way to becoming a preeminent clinical psychologist practicing in New York City.

In the early 1970s, he discovered the East End of Long Island, settling on Gibson Lane in Sagaponack. He built a house there on what had been farmland. Survivors noted that his love of nature and the sea led to the creation of a magical cherry grove with specimen trees that found their way to his garden as seedlings.

Over the years, a pool, a fish pond, a small Plexiglas pyramid in which he would meditate, and his version of the Temple of Dendur were added to the landscape. He cherished his palace, which was typically filled with art, music, books, animals, and friends. The beauty of his gardens and the power of the nearby ocean, survivors said, gave him added strength and courage to face a long battle against cancer.

Friends of Mr. Bourke said this week that they planned to toast Mr. Bourke’s memory with his favorite drink, the Bill Bourke martini.

In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice would be appreciated by survivors.

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