DONALD STUART BURCHELL

1930 ~ 2011

Donald Stuart Burchell died peacefully in his home last Saturday, June 11th, of natural causes. He was 80.

Donald was born in Reno, NV, Aug 18, 1930, the only child of Bruce and Irene Wills Burchell of Le Grand, CA. Donald's parents, who preceded him in death, were residents of Merced County, working for the Merced County Department of Agriculture and Merced Credit Bureau, respectively, and serving with the Merced County Historical Society.

Donald attended Le Grand Elementary and Le Grand High School. He went on to college at UOP Stockton and transferred to Fresno State where he received a Business degree and obtained his teaching credential. He served in the United States Army, completing his tour as a member of the Central Intelligence Division. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

Donald began his teaching career at Watsonville High School. After some post-graduate studies at the University of Colorado in business computer science he continued his career at both Foothill and DeAnza Junior Colleges, teaching for 27 years. He enjoyed a long retirement.

In 1952, Donald married Wilma Jean Barnes of Merced. They were wed in Clovis, CA. The couple had 6 children and had made Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, their home since 1967.

Donald's wide interests included cars, sports, family, church, and community. He donated his time at Capitola's St. John's Helpful Shop for many years.

Donald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wilma; his six children: Rick Burchell of Eagle River, AK; Rhonda Liebig of Salinas, CA; Rochelle Lyke of Castroville, CA; Rodney Burchell of Santa Cruz, CA; Rebekah Crill of Boulder Creek, CA; and Royal Burchell of Eureka, CA. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A gravesite service will be held at the Plainsburg Cemetery Thursday, June 16th, 11:00am. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 18th, 3:00pm at the Boulder Creek Community Church on Hwy 9. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in his memory to St. John's Helpful Shop in Capitola, CA., or Valley Churches United of Ben Lomond, CA.