I was deeply moved when I learned of Tim's passing. Tim was a dear colleague, friend and mentor. Our profession has lost an important leader and significant contributor, especially in matters related to ethics. Condolences to his family.
Bill Hallett, Colleague
Tim was an inspiration to all of us in the fundraising profession, and he will live on through the countless men and women he taught both formally and informally throughout his lifetime. Tim's thoughtful guidance helped me determine the path I should take in graduate school, and I will be forever grateful for his advice. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with Tim's family in the loss of one so loved and respected by so many.
Scherry Gilliland, Colleague
Tim was a constant presence during my time at SMU. From the Ethics class to "conversations with the cohorts," Tim's unflagging commitment to the P&D program and all of the students was amazing. When I became active with AFP in 2000, Tim's sage advice to take on only what I loved and to do the best job possible with what I did has served me so well. Of his many gifts of time, talent and advice, his most cherished gift to me will be having me replace him in the Fall of 2006 on the AFP International Ethics Committee. What a kind heart, generous and caring spirit and a wonderful friend w\'ve lost. Tim left so many with great memories of good times and lifelong learning.
Pam Hurd-Knief, Cohort 6
Tim...calm, cool, and collected...until you got him on his Harley. I will never forget the summer of my second year in the P & D Program when Tim took me for a ride along the river bluffs of Winona and LaCrosse. It was spectacular!!!I am sorry we never did get together to golf...talked about it often enough. He could have taught me a thing or two on the golf course as well.I appreciated the professional advice. Somehow Tim knew the best advice he could offer was a good listening ear, and to let me figure it out for myself. God Bless Tim Burchill.
Jim Isaak, Cohort 12
It was Tim Burchill who first introduced me to the wonders of popular music. My parents and his were in an informal bridge club that played once or twice a month. As a young 6 year old boy in 1960 and the game shifted to the Burchill's home in Mt Prospect IL, I'd usually be treated to the latest popular records coming from Tim's room. In fact, one of my favorite movies is "West Side Story" mainly because Tim had the soundtrack LP and I got hooked by the sounds of "Maria" and "Tonight". My favorite memory is one of him helping me learn to golf left handed - I was a switch hitter in baseball and a natural righty but hit better left handed. He let me practice on his left handed clubs one summer vacation in Crivitz, Wisconsin. Just goes to show that even as a young man, he took time to help a little preteen kid - an early indication of his kind, and giving spirit. I attended his wedding to Barb and remember very clearly their love and steadfast commitment to one another. As a couple one could tell they were soulmates. My prayers are with all the Burchills this sad night but tempered by the hope that a resurrected Lord Jesus offers to all mankind - the gift of eternal life in Heaven with all the saints.
Jim Burkhardt, Friend of the family
Like so many others, Tim "took me under his wing" when he hired me to work for him at Saint Mary's. I admired and respected him and looked to him for professional support and counsel time and time again. So many of us use the word "mentor" to describe him. But beyond professional guidance, I looked to his friendship. Tim had the gift of being a wonderful listener. He was understanding, caring, and generous, and while his time on this Earth was far too short, I count myself blessed to have known the gift of his friendship for nearly 15 years.
Vickie Cada, Colleague
One of the finest things I did as President of Saint Mary's was to hire Tim Burchill to become Director of Development. He was an organized, intelligent young man, enthusiastic about his work and successful in cultivating people to know and respect Saint Mary's. He was a religious man, a devoted husband and father and a good friend. Saint Mary's will miss him sorely and so will I.
Peter Clifford, FSC, Colleague
Tim was a great impetus in "professionalizing" the field of development. He taught the class in ethics - a credit to Tim to making a point of the importance of ethics in non-profit work.
Former student
I remember my first night at St. Mary's meeting Tim as he helped Jim carry in a box that was falling apart. His quick smile and bright eyes were the perfect welcoming committee for the hot July night that brought our cohort together. It seemed like he was St. Mary's he felt like the glue that held the program together. He pushed our cohort over and over again and also encouraged us. He had a knack for making us feel special and I'm sure he shared that skill with many. I feel blessed to have known him.
Sharon Maier, Cohort 16
I was on the Development Advisory Board for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato when he assisted the Sisters in their most recent fundraiser through the Metanoia Group to get a realistic and successful opportunity. I thank him as a former SMC grad and friend for his kindness and generosity to others.
Anonymous
Tim was a kind and sharp mentor who taught me so much about the practice of philanthropy and the field of development. He was also my advisor and encouraged me greatly with my P.D.M. Though it has been ten years since I completed by Masters, Tim's influence has remained. Many times I have thought of questions to ask him, or have reflected upon a "truism" first understood through him. The study of philanthropy has been greatly advanced as a result of his commitment and expertise.
Madeline Maxeiner, Cohort 5
It was the summer of 1991 and 13 people came together to launch the beginning of Tim's dream--the Master's in Philanthropy program. Tim's ready smile, calm demeanor, passion for philanthropy will long be remembered by me as what made Tim so special in the world of education/philanthropy. His use of the "red pen" in editing papers is what drew me to want to know and learn more from such a person! For me, 1991 was the beginning of a relationship with Tim as a mentor, colleague and friend.Tim not only touched my life but was a force in bringing change to the organizations for which I worked: Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Bancroft NeuroHealth, St. Mary Medical Center, and the Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County. He left his mark and it will always be remembered.His smile, the twinkle in his eye and his deep passion for life will always remain a part of me.To Barbara, Sarah and Jesse, I send special prayers and love to each of you and end with a phrase from "Les Miz": To love another person is to see the face of God. May God continue to touch and heal you during the days ahead.
Martha Dunn, Cohort 1
I can still see Tim walking across campus wearing his colorful African Dashiki shirt. I complimented him on it and he said it was a gift. An Old West African proverb reminds us that "A man is never died until his name is forgotten. "Tim will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us who had the special gift of knowing him.
Matilda Louree, Cohort 13
I can truly say Tim changed my life. I walked into a job interview at SMU in 2004 at age 22. Tim took a chance on me, gave me a job at SMU as a major gift officer, and an application for the Philanthropy and Development Program. My life has not been the same. Tim changed lives. He gave young people opportunities. He pushed his students to be better professionals, people... and writers. I will miss Tim's smiling eyes and calm voice. He was a wonderful teacher and advisor. I will miss his praise and especially his constructive criticism. I now picture Tim in heaven doing all of his favorite things- spending time with his family, playing golf on a beautiful day, helping students, and riding his Harley.
Sarah Landman, Cohort 14
Tim was one of the people who encouraged me to become a member of the board of trustees at Saint Mary's. That was in 1998 and ever since then I counted on him for advice. Tim offered valuable insight and wisdom, carefully and thoughtfully considering whatever question I posed. He was a mentor to many and will be missed. He loved Saint Mary's and loved life. His untimely departure is a great loss. God Bless Tim and his family.
Rob Figliulo, Chair, Board of Trustees
Tim Burchill will live in my heart as a friend and a colleague as well as a gift in my life. I first knew Barb and Tim as parents and members of St. Mary's Parish in Winona. Tim was a member of the School Board when I was principal of St. Mary's School. He was generous, imaginative, wise and a true professional. Throughout those years, I witnessed his creativity and wisdom and his dedication and I will be forever grateful. Over the last years, we have collaborated periodically in various ventures; I was about to ask him to share his multiple gifts once again when I heard the news of his untimely death. My prayers and love are with Barb, Sarah and Jesse these days and will continue in the days and months to come. I send sympathy and prayers to the Community of the University of St. Mary's of Minnesota.
Peace and all good, Sister Eleanor Granger, OSF
I had the great priviledge of knowing Tim both as a boss and as a student. While I worked at Saint Mary's, Tim was a mentor and friend. I remember him telling me as a shy newbie to the profession in awe of the extroverted major gifts officers that there was "more than one way to be a fundraiser. You just need to find your own style." He had a brilliance for coaxing the best out of everyone. As I transitioned into a student and came back to Saint Mary's for classes, I always looked forward to seeing him again. He was a teacher, mentor and friend and will be sorely missed.
Leah Hebner, Cohort 12
I remember Mr. Burchill as man that loved St. Mary's. Be it in the Alumni Office or anywhere else, he always cared about what was best for Saint Mary's University....Thank You Mr. Burchill...........
Anonymous
The contributions Tim brought to this world and his profession cannot be overestimated. Having known Tim for just over 10 years, I was blessed to count him as a mentor and friend. His gentle demeanor, intelligence, wit and ability to navigate his way through a difficult issue for the betterment of all involved are only part of what made him an extraordinary human being. Without his work on professional standards in fundraising, as a Board member and item writer for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) program, we would not have the international standards in the profession that today are recognized around the world. He will be terribly, deeply missed for a long time to come but the world is a much better place for him having been here.
Morgean Hirt, Colleague
Tim was a man of vision and passion. His dedication to his family, friends, colleagues and students was unwaivering. While I appreciate the many educational gifts Tim provided I will remember him for his spirit and kindness. There is so much more one can say but I am left with the feeling that we were blessed by Tim and he will be sorely missed.
Mark Gordon, Cohort 5
One of my favorite memories of Tim is of the time our P&D cohort heard we'd be participating in an afternoon of "outward bound" type exercises. Adults away from home--even intelligent professionals--can revert to high school behavior, so the rumor spread and mushroomed to include our having to walk across a wire strung high between two poles.The entire week before this afternoon arrived, I lost sleep over the possibility of having to reveal my profound fear of heights. I finally decided to talk with Tim about it. When I told him what we'd heard and expressed my anxiety, he looked at me, smiled and said "Fear of heights is all about control. You have control issues." I smiled back and said to him "Yes, and look who's talking." Tim was the consummate Big Man on Campus. He had a big, genuine sense of humor and a wonderfully big ego. He also had a big, generous spirit. In the film, "As Good As It Gets," Jack Nicholson's character stops his angry love interest in her tracks by telling her, "You make me want to be a better man." Tim made me want to be a better development professional. As a teacher, colleague and friend, he definitely was as good as it gets.
Julie Alfred, Cohort 3
Tim was my brother ... he assured through his love and caring that my being an only child did not mean I would not have a "brother". Tim was in all senses of the word, a man of Christ; He understood the core message that Christ shared and lived it each day. Community, family, people ... all were his passion. Tim took time to know and listen to people of all backgrounds, and to learn from each one. He was truly a sum of many, many parts. For Barb, Sarah and Jesse, this is a tragedy without equal. A change of this magnitude is always unexpected ... you are always unprepared for the shock and impact. All three of them, along with Tim's Dad, his brothers Roy and Mark, and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ric Kethcart, Friend of the family
Ethics on a Harley!
That's the way I remember Tim, as a man of principle that could probe deeper than anyone I know on questions of ethics within philanthropy. He was a great beacon for both St. Mary's University, and also for our profession across North America in his leadership capacity with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Tim was determined and driven. In fact, driven by his devotion to our profession and by his motorbike on the way to the classroom. His contribution in both pedagogy and philanthropy through his devotion to life will always be remembered. His inspiration found its way into the name of my own company. He represents the "Pride of Winona". Our prayers are with his family at this time. We will miss you Tim.
Rob Peacock, Cohort 13
The field of philanthrophy and volunteerism was, and will continue to be, greatly impacted by Tim's passion and spirit. His influence, inspiration and guidance to many will be felt for generations. I pray that God will comfort all with the peace and strength only He can give.
Peggy Calhoun, ACFRE, Cohort 2
I am so sad to hear of the loss of Tim. He was a teacher and mentor to me. He always challenged me to work harder and go to the next level. I treasure the time he advised me on my first book and how he was relentless in striving for quality. As I know the world of stewardship and philanthropy has lost a leader and a friend, my heart breaks for his family that has lost a son, husband, father, and grandfather. My prayers are with them.
John R. Frank, Cohort 2
Tim's untimely death is a tremendous loss to so many. Most sincere sympathy to Barbara and the children, and a promise of prayer for Tim and for all of you. What a loss for you who were so important to Tim. Being from the West Coast, I did not get to see Tim after graduation, but I certainly took with me the valuable lessons that he so faithfully taught and more importantly modeled for his students. Tim was a fine teacher who cared about his students and who worked hard to assure their success. The philanthropic world has lost a giant. Saint Mary's University has lost a beloved staff member and former teacher. All who care about ethics and morality in development have lost a mentor. All who loved Tim, will mourn his loss, but will wrap themselves in the love he had for them. And, thank God for the resurrection!I firmly believe, if we, his students, don't do the right thing and make him proud, he'll be on our case! Rest in peace, Tim, you deserve it.
Barbara Larner, O.P., Cohort 2
Barb will be in my thoughts and prayers from now on. No one knows why someone is called home so suddenly and early, but there is peace to be had in the knowing that Tim is not suffering and is with his Loving Father. May God watch over Barb and their children in this time of sorrow.
A friend of the family
I have had the great honor and pleasure of working for/with Tim for the past 8 years, but we shared a friendship for more than 12 years. I first met Tim as an undergraduate student on campus when I worked in the admission office. His office was within our department and I would see him walking around talking on his headset (at that time headsets were the new, cool thing out there) and I was instantly impressed and thought I hope someday I am just like him! He took me under his wing as a mentor and friend and when he took over as VP for University Relations, brought me back to our alma mater and hired me as part of his staff - of which I am truly grateful for. He taught me the importance of balance in your life and giving to others. He also had this knack of knowing immediately what you were thinking - it was actually scary at times - I swear he knew me better than I knew myself! When my own father passed away four years ago, Tim, without knowing, became a second father to me. I just wish now that I told him that. As there is an obvious void felt around campus, Tim's spirit will always remain in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to have known such a man of great dignity, compassion, honesty and ethics! May he rest in peace.
Meg Richtman, Friend of the family
As I think back on the many, many years that I have known Tim and the numerous conversations we had as colleagues in the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, what I first recall is sly smile, then his wit, then his intelligence, and finally his extraordinary commitment to this thing we call philanthropy. A man for all times, Tim could bring clarity to an issue like no one I have ever known, while making all those involved in the conversation feel engaged and part of the solution. He will be remembered by me and by others as well, I'm certain, as a leader in our profession, and one who has helped bring true credibility and recognition to what we do and to the importance of how we serve our communities. While his time was short-lived on this earth of ours, his impact and good work will span the future.
Dennis Stefannaci, ACFRE, Colleague
A man of integrity, spirit and passion. Tim Burchill lived what he taught - the code of conduct for our industry. Truly a loss for all of us,both personally and professionally.
Mary McCann, Cohort 5
Tim was the first face I knew at Saint Mary's when I came here last spring to interview for a position in the development office. He welcomed me to Winona the night before my interview and warmly answered all my questions.Tim and his wife, Barb, were the first persons to help me adapt to life in this small town -inviting me to join them for a Winona event last June. Both of them have shown me -a complete newcomer to Saint Mary's- welcoming, kind and thoughtful inclusiveness since the day I moved to town. Tim's office door was always open when I had questions. I often saw him at Mass at St. Mary's Parish, smiling and talking to others.I grieve with his wife and children and close friends that a good man was taken away from us all much too soon.There are really no words that can comfort, but I remember something my niece said when my mother passed away, "It's like falling asleep in front of the TV, and Daddy carries me to bed and I wake up and don't know how I got there. It's like you fall asleep in one part of God's house and wake up in another." We can take joy in the fact that this man of faith is with his Creator, and rejoice that we were blessed to know him.
Anne Morgan, Colleague
As part of a recent graduate project, I was to write a paper on Ethics and the Internet. After struggling with the topic for a few days, I decided to call my friend Tim Burchill. As we all know, no matter how busy Tim's life was, he always was able to "fit you in" to the schedule somehow. I spent about 45 minutes talking with Tim and when I was done with the interview, I knew exactly what approach I would take to completing my paper. Tim's true gift, I believe, was his ability to explain complex subjecs in simple terms while at the same time never acting condescending or superior in any way. To lose such a gifted person so suddenly and at the young age of 59 is a true loss for his friends, colleagues, and I would argue the world. God's blessings to Barb and their family.
A. Eric Huekeshoven, Colleague
What a loss we have suffered with the passing of Tim Burchill. He was a wonderful mentor and an inspiring instructor, and will be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of introducing Tim as a speaker at the 2005 Philanthropy Day celebration in Reno, NV. At the time, I was a few weeks away from giving birth to my first child, and he was anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandchild (who arrived shortly thereafter). He was so joyful when discussing his family, and so grateful for their love. My thoughts are with Barb and all the Burchill family at this time. Between my time in Winona (ending in the summer 2003) and his visit in Reno, I had not kept in touch very well with Tim. But he remembered me, and of course gave his always-thoughtful comments on ethics in philanthropy to the audience here. I was, and always have been, proud to be associated with someone of Tim's caliber. Farewell, Tim, you will be remembered always.
Kate Kirkpatrick, Cohort 11
A great shadow has been cast around the world as the alumni, faculty, staff and current students of SMU's Philanthropy & Development mourn the loss of Tim Burchill, founder and sustaining member of the program. I know that Tim was proud of the program for all of its accomplishments but he was moreso of the SMU alumni practitioners of philanthropy and development around the globe. There was no other like Tim as we came to know through his courses, aboard the riverboat cruise, on the golf course, or in a conversation between classes.
In the wake of his passing, let us all be mindful of Barb and their children. This is not a time for silence, but rather, a time to celebrate Tim's life in words based on our experiences with him. It was Tim's "Ethics and Leadership" class that kicked off the program during summer number one and it no doubt set the tone and the foundation for the remainder of our P & D educational experience.
Please join me in sending Barb and the Burchill family, our deepest condolences, a story, an experience with Tim, or a memoriam.
Perhaps we can collectively come up with a way to honor and memorialize Tim's life and work at SMU after this time of reflection has passed. I, for one, would like to give something back to SMU.
Respectfully,
Dave Bergman, Cohort 5
Tim was a board member of CFRE International during the transition to independence. He was the founding president of the Metanoia Group, the Executive Director of the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, and the Founder and Senior Faculty for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota M.A. in Philanthropy & Development.
He was a wise, insightful, and caring leader. And for many of us, he was a dear personal friend.
"Even the death of friends will inspire us as much as their lives...Their memories will be encrusted over with sublime and pleasing thoughts, as monuments of other men are overgrown with moss; for our friends have no place in the graveyard." (Thoreau)
It is with great sadness that I can no longer sign my name as co-chair with Tim, of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Voluntary Certification.
Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE
There are never the right words at a time like this. Only our thoughts and our memories. Tim and I were emailing each other just yesterday. I wanted him to read something I was writing. He wrote back saying "Yes, I'd love to." And he died within a few hours. Tom Ahern and I plan to dedicate our in-progress book to Tim's place in philanthropy. If you have thoughts you want to share, please send them to me at spjoyaux@aol.com.
Peace, Simone
For those of you interested in making a gift in memory of Tim here at Saint Mary's, here is my suggestion. As many of you know, Tim founded the Metanoia Group in 1989. Through Metanoia, Tim established an endowed scholarship for the MA in Philanthropy and Development Program. He has continually and faithfully supported and increased this scholarship over the years which goes to students in this program based on financial need. While the scholarship was labeled The Metanoia Scholarship since 1991, it was Tim's intention to change the name to The Tim Burchill Scholarship once he retired from teaching in the program. I think it is only fitting to make that name change now, so effective immediately, individuals will be able to make contributions to The Tim Burchill Scholarship should they choose to do so. If you would like to make a gift, you can do so from the Saint Mary's Website at www.smumn.edu/giving. Simply click on the "Make a Gift" link on the right side of the page and indicate that you would like your gift to go to The Tim Burchill Scholarship. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time. Tim was a great teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend to so many of us and he will be missed.
Jeremy Wells
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Tim was a giant in this profession. It was his person, his integrity, his listening, his sense of judgment, his true generosity of spirit.
He was a friend to so many, a confidant, a mentor and a conscience for our profession. I am truly saddened by his too early passing. We have lost an ally and in the process gained an icon.
Tony Myers, Former SMU P&D Faculty
How sad that it takes a death to be in communication with one another and how wonderful that Tim's influence in our lives makes us want to reach out to one another in grief.
I do not think that it was coincidence that our Ash Wednesday meditation focused on metanoia and its meaning to the new testament Jews. We focused first on the eight ways of Jewish giving.
The last verse of the Matthew text is "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." I have been prayerfully focusing on this verse for nearly a year. A pastor told his congregation that we need to remember that this means to place your treasure where you want your heart to follow. (For me, that means to encourage people to be wise stewards of their monetary gifts and invest with the Mission Investment Fund so that their hearts can follow to places like the new churches that we are building because of their investment beliefs. So often, we misinterpret this verse and think that we should follow our hearts with our gifts i.e. have a passion for world hunger and then be motivated to give.
Along with everything that Tim meant to us, he conveyed the message of placing our treasure in the places that we want our hearts to follow.
Deborah Simonson Smith, Cohort 5
