Jim Burkhardt, Friend of the family

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