Name: Visitation for Dr. Charles Dick Burch III
Start: 2022-04-25T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-04-25T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Westminster Canterbury

BURCH, Dr. Charles Dick, III, Charles Dick Burch III, a longtime Richmond pediatrician, died peacefully at the age of 93 on April 13, 2022 surrounded by his family. Dick was born in Marion, Virginia and moved to Richmond at an early age where he lived the majority of his life. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1946 and went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Dick earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond where he was also the Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics. In 1955, he married Frances Taliaferro Webb of Bowling Green, Virginia. They spent two years in France where Dick served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Later, he and Frances returned to Richmond, started a family and Dick began his practice as a beloved pediatrician that continued for more than 50 years.

In addition to his work as a pediatrician, Dick volunteered with the Friends of Barnabas, a team of volunteers that travelled to Honduras annually on a mission trip to improve the lives of impoverished children. He was a faithful volunteer at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, specializing in the nurturing of many species of orchids and at the Virginia War Memorial. At Westminster Canterbury, where he and Frances resided, he worked in the gift shop for several years.

Dick was a quiet family man with a wicked sense of humor. He was also an avid woodworker and gardener. He and Frances were married for 66 years and raised three children, David, Carol and John. In addition to being survived by his wife and children; Dick also leaves behind his son-in-law, Dan; daughter-in-law, Joan; and four wonderful grandchildren, Virginia (and husband, Nick), Evan (and wife, Mollie), Alexander and Annie. The family is grateful for the dedicated care and support Dick received from Westminster Canterbury during his final days.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Westminster Canterbury, 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Virginia War Memorial Foundation at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 or the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden at 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, Va. 23228.

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

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Apr. 17, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Burch

13 Entries

A patient from the West End

January 13, 2024

I was a patient of Dr. Burch from 1971 until 1979 when left Richmond. Dr. Burch took care of my cousins, as well. I remember his office on Patterson, as well as the move to St. Mary's. He always had Hi Lites and other children's oriented magazines.

As a parent, I have always evaluated choosing my child's pediatrican relative to my experience with Dr. Burch - he is the benchmark.

He was caring, but direct. There was a period of time when I was faking stomach discomfort to avoid going to school. I was able to get one past him, and then he calmly told my mother the truth on my return visit and gave me an admonishment to be truthful. His nurses were always kind, as well.

I remember that he put out dum dum lollipops. I was always drawn to the framed images of clowns he had in his office.

I believe we connected with Dr. Burch through our family's connection with Dr. Bobby who was my mother and aunts' pediatrician.

Dr. Burch was always accessible. He was the best pediatrician a family could hope to have.

Rest Gently, Dr. Burch.

Bob Shayne

May 2, 2023

Two thoughts- When Dick would see me in the St. Mary's nursery he would always refer to me as the pediatrician from "Dog Town" which was a reference to the Southside of Richmond which he taught me.
2nd- I am probably one of the last pediatricians to see Dick as we sat in our cars at the Family Doctor's office to get drive thru COVID tests. He looked relatively well. What a shock!!!

Terri Richmond

September 20, 2022

Dr Burch was truly one of a kind . Took care of me and my 3 brothers. Actually coming to the house and at his office on Patterson . My three children were lucky enough for a little while before he retired. Sorry to have missed his celebration of life .

A Grateful Grown Child

April 30, 2022

Dr. Burch was my pediatrician in the 80s and 90s. He helped me by finding an ear issue that had gone undetected and lead to significant hearing loss. I am forever grateful for him catching it and getting me started on the path back to hearing before it got any worse.

I remember his manner with me as a small child, so calm and matter of fact, and the funny way he would show me how to breathe. Peace and blessings to you.

Marilyn Meyer

April 25, 2022

We have missed Dick since his retirement from "his" practice. We have been the beneficiaries of his good care and reputation. We know your loss is great and join you in the "missing". Much love and gratitude from all at "practice". Marilyn Meyer

Anne Burry

April 21, 2022

Dr. Burch was my children's pediatrician in the mid 90's. I'll never forget him visiting my newborn son in the hospital for the first time and when he came to see me he commented "you've got a spitter"! (My son tended to spit up formula when he was first born.) I can still hear him saying that. Condolences to Dr. Burch's family. He was a great doctor and person!

Catie McDowell

April 20, 2022

What a beautiful tribute to Dick and what a rich life he lived. I will hold nothing but warm memories of my time with him so many years ago. My condolences to all who loved him.

Pamela Seay, Virginia War Memorial Foundation

April 18, 2022

We are grateful to have benefitted from Dick's spirited volunteerism at the Virginia War Memorial. We thank his family for sharing him with us and for naming the Virginia War Memorial Foundation a beneficiary of tribute gifts. He is fondly remembered by the staff and other volunteers. We extend our sincere condolences for your loss.

Pam Seay

Peter Elmore

April 18, 2022

Doc Burch was the last Physician on Earth who could use "The Crud" as a diagnosis for feeling bad, but The Elmore Family of four growing boys is the only family other than his own he could use that with as we were basically next door neighbors for 20 years. It was his way of saying, "you're not as sick as you think you are. You will be fine tomorrow. Get some sleep." I have nothing but the fondest memories of his bedside manner through my years of orthopedic recovery, his always "matter-of-factness" and overall kindness and care. He was a beautiful man and one The World needs millions more like him in style and overall goodness & grace. We will miss him.

Ike Koziol

April 18, 2022

As a colleague I knew Dick as a kind, smart and always content sort of fellow. We shared patient on our early careers. I have very flnd memories.

Nina & Wayne Southworth

April 17, 2022

We are so very sorry to hear of Dr. Burch´s passing. He was our children´s pediatrician and they both loved him as did my husband and I. Our daughter and son in law have a 2-month old daughter now and she was commenting that she wished Dr. Burch was still a practicing pediatrician. We send our sincerest condolences to all of you. God Bless.

Faye Miller

April 17, 2022

Sending love and prayers to Dr. Burch's family. He was our pediatrician for many years for our children. He was a wonderful Doctor and person!!

Ashley Shepherd Sisson

April 17, 2022

Dr. Burch and Frances are very dear to me and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He loved my Ham Biscuits and soup! I will always remember him!

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