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MICHAEL BURCHFIELD Obituary

The Rev. Michael Burchfield passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017. Fr. Burchfield grew up in Fresno, CA, graduating from Hoover High School. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities at St. Joseph's College Seminary, and his Masters of Divinity from St. Patrick's Seminary in 1993. He obtained two more degrees from the St. Paul's University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, a license and Masters in Canon Law. On June 5, 1993, he was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church by The Most Rev. Bishop John Steinbock. Fr. Burchfield held various positions in the Fresno Diocese. Fr. Burchfield served as the Judicial Vicar, Chief Canon Lawyer for the Diocese of Fresno for 17 years. His latest assignment was pastoring the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church. Fr. Burchfield was known for always thinking of others and he will be greatly missed by his parishioners and everyone that knew him. He is survived by his mother, Ann Marie Bellow; father, Jerry Burchfield; sister, Patricia Burchfield; uncle, Don Burchfield; and his cousin, David Burchfield. Visitation will be held at the Shrine of the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Nov. 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL BURCHFIELD

Not sure what to say?





Judy Allen

November 20, 2022

I will never forget my friend!

Msgr Perry Kavookjian

November 20, 2022

I still think about Michael and how enjoyable it was living with him back in the days at the Newman Center. Hard to believe he is not with us. He is missed by many.

Judy Allen

November 20, 2020

Michael had been my friend for many years, I miss him still. Thank God for the time we had shortly before he died. The last memory I have of him is our last lunch together, we hugged and said" I love you" to each other. I love you, Michael!

Kimberly Rosander

April 24, 2018

I miss you so much. I dont understand why God takes the best people. I loved being able to grow up with you in Fresno. Im sorry you hurt. Im so sorry. You were the strong one. Brave one. Someday we will see each other again. I have faith that this world is just not the end and right now you are wrapped in a loving persons arms where you always longed to be.

Alice Ramirez

December 7, 2017

You always brought a smile to my family and I..you are deeply missed by many. We are Blessed to have known you. May you rest in peace father Michael.

Nancy (Mazza) Yandell

December 4, 2017

I am sure our loving Lord has blessed and welcomed you as His true and faithful servant. May you rest in Christ's peace.

Vicky Mayfield

December 2, 2017

So very sorry to hear about Father Michael's passing. He recently did my mom's funeral , and we know she had a smile on in Heaven❤. His presence and kindness will be greatly missed. May God bless all of you.

Rosario Garcia

December 1, 2017

Our hearts are broken. Father Michael you will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences.
Love always
Noah and Rosario

Mark Garrett

December 1, 2017

My family and I just learned of Michael's very unexpected passing. Michael was our parish priest in Merced and served as pastor at our children's catholic school. Through the years Michael became a member of our family and while we live in Southern California we always stayed in touch. We were blessed to have Michael for a visit at our home a few short months ago. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Michael's family. We are so enriched by having Michael in our lives.

I Nannini-Hei family

December 1, 2017

We miss you already Father Micheal and that wonderful gregarious smile you had. You were always making us laugh and feel at ease. We realize how blessed we were for the time we got to have you as our Parish Priest at St. Therese, we wished it could of been longer. God bless and keep you until we all meet again. Forever in our hearts!

James & Deborah Giglio

November 29, 2017

Michael was not only our family priest, he was a good friend to all of us. This was not unique. Everyone who had the pleasure to know him felt exactly the same. We will all miss him.

bob hall

November 28, 2017

I have thought about farther often as I journey the experience of my faith. The time that he spent with me and others, teaching us and explaining to us the practices of our faith and the history of Catholicism. The time that he spent enlightening me I know will last throughout my time on earth. May God grant him the abundance that he deserves.

November 28, 2017

Sincere condolences to the Burchfield Family in the loss of your loved one. Please find comfort in knowing God is close to the brokenhearted. May God comfort you during this difficult time and give you peace and strength to endure in the days ahead (Jeremiah 29:11,12).

Wayne Gomes

November 28, 2017

Fr. Michael was one of the best! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The Shrine of St. Therese was so lucky to have had him. He brought so much life to the parish. Sunday Mass won't be the same without his wonderful humor he brought into his homilies. I will miss the many conversations we shared and the time we spent together. May his memory be blessed.

November 27, 2017

Dear Father Michael; thank you for your life of service. You made a difference. Deepest sympathy to your family.
Ramona Loyd

Carolina Zendejas

November 27, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

November 27, 2017

Really enjoyed his Homily's when he presided at St. Paul Newman Center for years. Just thought of you last week. Obviously God let me know something was about to change. God Bless you so much.Rest in peace.

Vicki TaylorAmaya

November 27, 2017

Thank you for all you have done for me and my family I am truly blessed to have had the honor of knowing and worshiping with you.Forever in our hearts and prayers

Krystyna Canon Lawyer

November 27, 2017

May Father Michael Rest In Peace!

Christine Rodarte

November 27, 2017

Fr. Michael was more than our parish priest, he was our friend. He was the first priest that I said I love you too. He was the reason we went to mass every Sunday. He made a big difference in our lives. Life just won't be the same without Fr. Michael. My mom just passed away in Oct. so I know that her and father are together now in heaven.

Judy Allen

November 27, 2017

Michael was a wonderful friend and priest, I will miss him.

Allison St. Louis Kasparian

November 27, 2017

Michael was such a good man. He was my father's godson, but was regarded as a son too. He has always been a part of our family. He will be missed in our community and especially at the parish that he loved so much. Prayers for peace and healing grace to Jerry, Ann and Tricia.

November 27, 2017

father Michael was a kind, loving man.
I will truly miss him. I have fond memories that will go on forever,

Kendrick. Van Gerpen

Helen Delrio

November 27, 2017

Eternal rest grant unto him oh lord and let perpetual light shine upon him and may he Rest In Peace. Amen

Msgr Perry Kavookjian

November 26, 2017

Michael was a good friend and co-worker in the field of the Lord. May he enjoy new health and eternal life!

Carol Stierwalt Ehat

November 26, 2017

Jerry, So sorry for your loss...I too lost a daughter..Not an easy path now.... I graduated high school with you and you were buddies with Merle..I had to send thoughts and prayers...Carol Stierwalt Ehat

shari leibold

November 26, 2017

Dear Ann & family, I will never forget the wonderful relationship that Michael & I have had over many years. I'm heart broken, but know now he is at peace with God. love Shari & Roger

Elizabeth & family

November 25, 2017

Fr Michael always gave a great homily every Sunday at church at St Paul Newman Center. We will miss his sense of humor. May Fr. Michael rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven with Jesus!!

Mark & Dee Schultz

November 25, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

November 25, 2017

Ann & Family; Our deepest sympathy. Prayers are with all of you and with those of us who were blessed to have had Michael in our lives.
Bob & Myrna (Bolger) Taul

November 24, 2017

Jerry, Ann, and Trish--After many years we recently reconnected with Michael. He was planning to baptize our new grandson, James. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers. Sincerely, John and Karen Garlick and family

Barbara Pierpont

November 24, 2017

Jerry, My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Ralph and I are deeply saddened . Prayers to you and your family. Peace be with you. Barbara and Ralph

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel

November 24, 2017

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720

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