To the vibes of easy-listening music and hymns, Desmond MacDonald Bourne was given his final send-off amid a close-knit group of friends earlier today.
In the chapel of E. Pamela Small’s Funeral Home, the 79-year-old advertising and broadcast expert, writer and jazz aficionado was remembered as a creative Barbadian who made an indelible mark in the media and was the brains behind many a successful advertising and promotional campaign.
During the service conducted by Reverend Ronald Trotman, Bourne’s son, Ian, spoke lovingly of the young Desmond surmounting health challenges and later a vehicular accident that caused him lifelong spinal issues.
He also recalled the daring and humorous side of his dad.
Desmond was, Ian recalled, the pioneer of Adams’ “Great Combination” campaign in the 1970s. He was also the first voice for Trinidad’s Radio Guardian 610; held the post of copy director at a New York City advertising firm, and did advertising promotions for Chefette Restaurants and Home Farm fruit juices, as well as the Nation Publishing Company Limited.
Bourne, born June 11, 1932, died December 18 and leaves to mourn Ian, who is also a print and broadcast journalist, and former wife, Carolle, an art critic and creative writer. (RJ)