Wilbur Ross Burden

LAKE GEORGE Wilbur Ross Burden, 88, of Bloody Pond Road, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 21, 1919, in Arcadia, Fla., he was the son of the late Clinton and Flossie DeVane Burden. Mr. Burden traveled to Lake George during summers to work as a bellhop at the Mayard Hotel, where he met and married Charlotte Marie Winslow. They were married for 65 years and raised three daughters and two sons. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a staff sergeant. On his return to Lake George, he met and was respected by many as he worked at Noyes Fuel & Oil, Martin Lumber Co. and Patrician Paper Mill. He was best known in his own business, Wilbur Burden Plumbing and Heating." Growing up on a dairy farm, he continued his love of animals and cared for many family pets. Other interests included boating, camping, traveling, and gardening. In addition to his parents, Wilbur was predeceased by two brothers, William and Wilbur's twin brother, Willard. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte (Winslow) Burden of Lake George; one brother, Herbert Burden of Cedar, Mich., and one sister, Helen Douglas of Islamarada, Fla.; five children: Patricia Connors and her husband, Jim, of Glen, N.H., Barbara Barber and her husband, Dan, of Minerva, Rose Gagne of Lake George, Daniel Burden and his wife, Bonita, of Lake George and William Burden and his wife, Mary, of Lake George; 15 grandchildren: Paul Cameron, Laura Cook, Kathleen Martin, Shannon Gagne, Dawn Gagne, Robin Gagne, Kindra Gagne, Seth Piersol, Corey Piersol, Kyle Burden, Sean Burden, Andrew Bacon, Sarah Bacon, William Burden and Brandon Burden; 10 great-grandchildren: Noah Reynolds, Olivia Konelas, Andrew Cook, Charlotte Cook, Daniel Cook Paige Martin, Lawrence Martin, Cora Gagne, Grace Gagne and Connor Cowles; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, at St. James Episcopal Church, Montcalm Street, Lake George, with the Rev. Julie McPartlin, rector, officiating. Calling hours will be private from 1 to 2 p.m. at Stafford Funeral Home Inc., 90 Montcalm St., Lake George, prior to the service. Burial will be private, Monday at Evergreen Cemetery, Birch Avenue, Lake George.