George "Harv" Burgoyne

Dr. George Harvey Burgoyne age 86, of Fenwick, MI, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, September 12, 2025. Harv was born in Flint, Michigan on June 5, 1939, the son of George Herbert and Mildred (Smith) Burgoyne. Harv attended Flint Technical High School, graduating class of 1957. Working in hospitals to pay his way, he attended both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. But anyone who knows him knows his blood ran green and he was a diehard Spartan fan, receiving both his B.S. and M.S at Michigan State University in Botany and Plant Pathology, and subsequently his Ph.D in 1972. He worked at the Michigan State University Poultry Lab under the guidance of Dr. Richard Witter, writing his thesis on The Effect of Passively Transferred Immunoglobulins on Marek's Disease, which continues to impact the health of poultry populations today. He went on to work for the State of Michigan for 25 years at the Department of Public Health, heading up vaccine production. He was the world expert on botulism, rabies and anthrax.

But, as dedicated as Harv was to his research and work, he was even more profoundly dedicated to his family and friends. He was an active member of St. Patrick's Parish and an avid golfer. He was an adoring husband, a committed father, a devoted grandfather, a beloved great-grandfather, and a generous mentor and friend to anyone who had a moment to talk with him. His love, commitment, devotion and guidance impacted and added light to this world and will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding Harv in death are his second wife, Eileen E. (Trierweiler) Burgoyne; granddaughter, Elizabeth Pearl Burgoyne; parents, George Herbert and Mildred Mae Burgoyne; sister, Joanne Hoornaert; and in-laws, William Benyak, and Omer Hoornaert. Left behind to treasure and celebrate his memory are his loving wife, Diana (Trierweiler) Burgoyne, his daughters, Michelle (Daniel) Duffy – Berkley, Michelle Burgoyne - Lansing, and Toni (Scott) Klus - Okemos; sons, Michael Burgoyne – Kalamazoo, Jeffrey (Kimberley) Burgoyne - Slidell, LA, William (Carolyn) Burgoyne - White Pigeon, Jerry Popma - Portland, and George Heath (Amanda) Burgoyne - Portland; sister, Donalie Benyak – Fort Myers, FL, 12 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Larry King at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at Danby Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. at Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland, MI. and on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Parish, 140 Church St., Portland, MI 48875. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.