Edward "Sailor" Bourchier

Edward "Sailor" Bourchier brings a distinct presence to Noah's Wednesday night gatherings, his colorful life experiences and artistic talents adding depth to the Wednesday night group. Sailor is a larger-than-life figure with a heart as big as his frame. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard an American Destroyer in the South China Sea. 

Despite his jovial demeanor, Sailor struggles with emotional scars of war — where he learned and became addicted to endless array of “dad jokes” on board the fighting vessel. Even to this day he struggles with this issue.

After his military service, Sailor found work in San Diego, where he became involved in the space shuttle program placing the heat shield tiles on the shuttles exterior. His mechanical aptitude and attention to detail made him a valuable asset to the team, and he took pride in his contributions to the advancement of space exploration. One of his final jobs with NASA was placing the tiles on the Space Shuttle Challenger.

In his later years, Sailor discovered a newfound passion for art, channeling his experiences as a veteran into his creative work. He became known for his poignant and evocative bamboo sculptures, which he sources from his own bamboo farm located in his yard.  

Sailor brings a sense of gravitas to Noah's gatherings, his presence a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have served. His artwork serves as a bridge between past and present, sparking conversations about history, patriotism, and the legacy of those who served —and making everyone else feel just a bit guilty about their lack of military-grade dedication.