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David Burnham Obituary
Age 58, of Elmira, NY, passed away at home very unexpectedly surrounded by his loving and caring family and the farm he loved. David was the son of the late Stanley and Ida Hetrick Burnham. He was born in Elmira the 6th of August 1949. December 21st, 1968, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Kerr. For the next 39 years they would raise a wonderful family and make priceless memories together. David enjoyed working the family farm that was established in 1874. He was proud to be the fourth generation working his family's land and made sure his three sons knew the tasks that were at hand. Surviving David are his loving wife, Carolyn (Kerr) Burnham; sons, David (Trysu) Burnham of Elmira, Michael (Michelle) Burnham of Elmira, Brian (Tonya) Burnham of Cayuta, NY; 11 grandchildren, David, Courtney, Gabrielle, Dawson, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Victoria, Cody, Destinie, Morgan, Kadin; brother, Stanley (Linda) Burnham of Elmira; sisters, Leone Burnham of Elmira, Barb (Martin) Harding of PA; brother, James Burnham of Elmira; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and all the loving members of the Kerr family. Family and friends are all invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY, Thursday, March 27th, 2008, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 28th, 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the conclusion of the calling hours at 1:00 p.m. Lay Pastor John Knapp will officiate. Graveside Services will follow in the Fitzsimmons Cemetery, Southport, NY. In addition to working Maple Valley View Farm, the family farm, David also worked for the New York State Correctional Facility's farming operation. David will always be known for his intoxicating laugh that everyone loved to hear. He was a dedicated family man who loved spending time with his life companion, Carolyn. He worked very hard every day above the pain of worn knees and was a devoted friend to all. Hunting the whitetail was the sport he loved. Playtime with grandchildren, four-wheeling, shooting, and the many animals on his farm were all very enjoyable pastimes of David's. He will be missed by many who were fortunate to know this amazing, hardworking gentleman. Those wishing, please make memorials in Mr. David L. Burnham's name to the Children's Miracle Network c/o the Arnot Ogden Foundation/NICU, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905. A "candle of remembrance" may be lit at www.olthof.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Burnham
Chuck McHenry
April 1, 2008
Carolyn,Stan,Leone,Barbara,and Jim
We are so sorry for your loss. David was like a brother I never had. I will keep the memories foever. Our Prayers and thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.
Chuck McHenry & Family
Everett Kaufman
March 28, 2008
Carolyn,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Everett Kaufman
Debbie Knapp
March 28, 2008
Dear Burnham Family;
I am are so sorry for your loss. David was a kind and gentle person. He was a few years older than me. I went to school with his sisters and brothers. Our families lived only a few miles from each other on Lower Maple Ave.
Our family sends our prayers to your familly.
Debbie Knapp and Ed Knapp and family.
The Fish Family
March 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marilyn Mays
March 26, 2008
Dear Family,
What memories David and I had when we were kids. We were 2 years and 2 days apart in age (I was the oldest). We spent many, many hours together, probably doing really stupid things now that I think back! We climbed up the silo to catch pigeons to keep them as pets in the chicken coop. We never thought about falling! We loved to throw rocks at the cat-sized river rats at the Matthews' farm across the street. We loved roping the calves in the barn and slapping our sides playing cowboys and indians pretending to be riding horses. Grandma's chocolate chip cookies were our favorite food while we played hide the thimble with her! But our most favorite thing to do was to go with Uncle Stan (my uncle, David's dad) when he drove the milk truck to the dairy plant. We loved to ride on the back of the truck and get treats at the dairy bar when we arrived. That was about 50 years ago...but to me it was just yesterday. We haven't seen each other in years, but our close family memories will last forever. Uncle Stan and Aunt Ida always said about me, "You can take the girl away from the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the girl." That is so true today with my life. I still work like a farmhand and love every stray animal who crosses my path. I will miss you, David. Kiss everyone in heaven for me.
Love,
Your cousin Marilyn.
billie sue doan
March 26, 2008
michelle, i am so sorry for your loss, if you need a friend i am here for you.
billie sue doan and family
Letha Gardner
March 26, 2008
What a great shock this was when i heard of Dave's passing my thoughts are with the Burnham and Kerr family during this very difficult time.
Brenda Elston
March 26, 2008
Carol and family My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I truly am sorry for the pain that you are all going though. I know you all have wonderful memories of David to hold on to and they are a very special gift to have. God Bless Brenda Elston
Sheila Whitney
March 26, 2008
Carolyn, Barbara, Stan, Leone and Jim:
There are no words that can be said to help you and your family at this difficult time. What I do know is that those precious memories don't fade,they only grow stronger.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sheila (Zerbe) Whitney
Sherry Clark & Family
March 26, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Butch & Linda & family Serfas
March 26, 2008
Dear Carol & Family:
So sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man and hard worker.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Dianna VanDuzer Weber
March 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I'll always remember David's infectious smile and the bus ride to Southside High School. He was a great guy!
gina campbell/chapman
March 26, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
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