O’Jay Otto Bourgeois

Bourgeois, O’Jay Otto passed away on August 9, 2009 at his home at the age of 76. Born in Long Beach, California in 1933 to Oscar and Elba Bourgeois. O’Jay is survived by his lady love, Laraine; three sons: Shon Kellie, Darin Valerie & Colby; three grandchildren: Nick, Lucas and

Victoria; dear friend Justin Bruce; two sisters: Peri Tooker & Marti Bob Sammon; nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. O’Jay enjoyed his childhood years in Long Beach and Coalinga, California. He excelled in sports, particularly, football. O’Jay was an All-American quarterback in Jr. College in 1956. He was a member of the ASU’s undefeated 1957 football team. In 1958, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. He graduated from ASU in 1959. O’Jay proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine, with a tour in Korea. O’Jay had a great love for the ocean and spear fishing, wanting to spend more hours in the ocean than on land almost. His love of woodworking and gardening provided him with many hours of making beautifully crafted furniture, as well as growing fruit and vegetables for family and friends from his meticulously cared for garden and orchard. His mechanical building skills allowed him to design and build his family home in the Arcadia area in 1966, where he lived until his passing. He touched the lives of many students in the Phoenix area as a physical education teacher at Central High School and Camelback High School. He coached many high school varsity sports football, wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, and tennis during his teaching career. O’Jay has been a wonderful, loving spouse to Laraine, as well as father, grandfather, uncle, friend, coach and teacher and will be greatly missed by all who love him. Memorial Service will be Sunday, August 16, 2009, 10:00 AM, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, 602-840-5600. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society.