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Eugene Burchell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Burchell
lauren burchell
July 9, 2024
Hello from down here. It's been a total of 16 years. Missing you. I don't remember much about my childhood these days, but my memory of you floods every so often, so here I am talking to you. I thought I'd forget how your voice sounded, the way your house smelled, what your hands felt like...but I haven't forgotten any of that at all. Frankly the day you left this Earth still feels like yesterday to me. I wish I'd gotten more time with you. Our souls were connected, and at times I wish I could experience that connection in my adulthood. I know that you are proud of who I am now and I carry that with me in everything I do. I was truly the luckiest child to have been chosen as your grand daughter. To this day people talk about what an amazing man you were, from family and friends to folks who just grew up near the Yondota block and knew you as that sweet Sonny Claus. My birthday hasn't been the same since the last time we celebrated together, Christmas never feel like the Christmases I remember with you, November is hard when we celebrate our veterans... I know that we do not live on Earth eternally, but in these times I often question why not you? Why was my time with you cut short? Why do the best go first?
It's hard to remember that you're guiding me from Heaven, but I'm certain you're my biggest cheerleader up there. I just hope that it is is everything I've dreamed it to be, I hope you're happy, healthy and embracing all of our other loved ones who've gone to be with you.
Someday, when I receive the blessing of becoming a mom, my child will honor your name, I've gotten your signature tattooed, I keep your photo by my bedside, I share my memory of you with whoever will listen. If I could go back in time and spend just one more day dancing with you in the backyard, or get a few more hours just sitting on the porch swing with you, I'd give anything, but until we meet again, don't forget to visit in my dreams. I love and miss you, beyond what I can put into words. Rest peacefully my Papa.
JOHNNYJOE & MELISSA BURCHELL
December 12, 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
Leo Smyth
November 26, 2008
Dana, I'm truely sorry for your loss.
Leo Smyth
Patricia Majors
November 26, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
deb rollins braden
November 26, 2008
to mom, patty,karen dana, you are in my prayers and thoughts. i miss dad very much. i love you all. deb
Alice Lemle
November 26, 2008
To John, Missy, Lauren and Tatum:
Peace, love and prayers to you. From Lauren's essay on "Dedication" and from Veteran and Honor Flight pictures, I'm glad I got to know Papa Sonny. His pictures will be a permanent part of of Veteran Wall of Fame each year.
Thanks for bringing him to the Greenwood Veteran program at West Park Place. It was nice to have met him.
May the Honor Flight trip from Toledo to Washington, D.C. on October 29th remain a cherished memory. The students at Greenwood are proud to have helped.
Nikki, Tylon and Akira (Brit's Auntie and cousins)
November 26, 2008
Knowing Mr. Burchell the last eleven years have been a great pleasure. It was great having Santa right at the tip of your fingers. I still remember the first time my son saw him sitting outside during the summer in his shorts, tee and suspenders. Tylon was six years old and so excited. He told everyone that day he met the "real Santa", because he looked just like him but with shorts. Knowing him kept the kid alive in many of us. He will be missed!
Michelle Winterfeld
November 26, 2008
My thoughts are with you the family on your loss. Sonny was a very wonderful man. He will be missed dearly and will never be forgotten.
KAREN CARSTENSEN
November 25, 2008
SONNY WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND & CO-WORKER WITH ME AT VALLEY CAMP FOR MANY YEARS. SONNY, WHITEY & I HAD GREAT TIMES & WONDERFUL MEMORIES. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE HIM FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER HE RETIRED. I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT A WONDERFUL & KIND PERSON HE WAS & STILL IS UP ABOVE. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO SONNY'S FAMILY - KAREN
Carol Sutton
November 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jennifer Voight (Gill)
November 25, 2008
I will miss my beloved great uncle. In my eyes he was and will always be a great man I loved him dearly. The best Santa Claus ever no one would or could ever replace him and his passion for bringing kids happiness at Christmas time. I love you Uncle Sonny.
Ann Marie Gombash (Babcock)
November 25, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Suttons
November 25, 2008
Even though you are no longer with us, you will always be in our hearts and in our minds.
Love you and miss you,
Your dear friend John,
Missing you "Uncle Sonny", Pattie
Love ya Pappa Sonny, Mandy, JJ, and Andrew
Aaron,Joy,Chris,Stephen Sutton
November 25, 2008
My family and I will greatly miss
Sonny. I, for one, will always
miss the times where we could
visit and talk. We hope that the
family will find that he is with
the Most High now.
Eugene [Gene] Finn
November 25, 2008
Thought of you often and remembering the days we worked together you as the Gro. man from Vally Campand me as the laundry man from Adams Laundry.
terry guy
November 25, 2008
we will miss you sonny clause
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