Leonard Fuller, Cohort 1

From a voice on the phone, 16 years ago, to teacher, mentor and friend, thus was the progression of our relationship. I held Tim in such high esteem. He always represented the best in humanity with a passionate belief that goodness and kindness would ultimately prevail in every situation. Ethics, integrity, and faith were his core values. May his family continue to draw comfort from the support, love and prayers of family and friends. My life is better for having known Tim and now diminished at his passing.

Leonard Fuller, Cohort 1

Laurie Ward, Colleague

Stillness and grace...those two simple words are the words that come to mind when I think of Tim. We traveled many, many miles while working together as The Metanoia Group. He is my mentor, he is my friend. I remain heartbroken over the loss of Tim and continually find myself wanting to give him a quick call or send him an email just to touch base. The Celine Dion/Andrea Bocelli song "The Prayer" will ALWAYS bring tears to my eyes...Tim said that the final moments of that song are "simply perfect" which they are indeed. Barb, my heart continues to mourn for you and your family. With gentle love, Laurie Ward

Laurie Ward, Colleague

S. Katherine Duval, SSND, Colleague

Tim was THE number one influence in helping me understand that development is first and foremost about building relationships, which he did so well - with compassion, energy, humor, generosity and patience. I worked with Tim when Mankato SSND hired Metanoia as our capital campaign consultant. Tim was instrumental in helping us reach our goal not only because of his expertise but also through exceptional dedication, boundless energy and wonderful creativity. Tim continued to serve as my mentor and helper through the years and just before his untimely death had offered to mentor our newly hired development director. This was Tim - always ready to help people grow, achieve their potential and make the world a better place. Along with so many, many friends and relatives, civic groups and organizations, who were touched by his expertise, goodness and love, I will miss Tim, too. My prayers especially for his wife and family. May our compasssionate God and the support and love of family members and friends be their source of strength and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. God bless, S. Katherine

S. Katherine Duval, SSND, Colleague

John Plante, Cohort 1

Having recently changed jobs and misplacing his phone number, I learned of Tim's passing upon going to the SMU webpage to get his number so I could call him. I was a member of the first cohort 16 years ago - a group that bonded very closely, with Tim at the center. Tim became a trusted advisor, mentor and friend to me, and we remained in close contact throughout the years, getting together whenever our paths crossed, most recently in Winona last summer. We shared a passion for baseball and the Dodgers, and I'll never forget him taking me into his basement at one of his famous P&D bbq's to show me the scorebook he used to keep as a kid when watching Dodger games on TV. That type of passion was reflected in everything Tim did, we are all better for having known him, and he will be greatly missed.

John Plante, Cohort 1

Wendy Zufelt-Baxter, Cohort 15

He always comforted me at the final banquet when it was time to leave all of our classmates. This past summer Tim came to me to see if I was okay. He never judged and you never needed to apologize for expressing emotion. It was not a weakness. After he asked if I was okay, I told him, I just hate goodbyes. He replied, "It is not goodbye Wendy, it is "See you next summer." Well Tim, I won't see you this summer and I will miss your passion and compassion. I will miss your open mind and enthusiasm for all that is ethical. I will remember your story to me about my hero Martin Luther King and your march. I will remember that we both had a love of motorcyles. I will remember the day in typical Wendy fashion I stated that I thought consultants were "parasites" before knowing you were a consultant and had a consulting firm. I will remember your response even more. You were not angry, you listened to me and asked me to explain. You helped me qualify my assertion to a more grey statement not so black. You did not attack me, you listened and learned and heard my passion and conviction. You taught me a great deal through this incident. You cried when reading my philanthropic autobiography and were not afraid to tell me that. You fanned my flame for philanthropy and helped me see the spitituality of my profession. It was you that I knew would be at our graduation. It was you I wanted to see in the crowd. It was you I wanted to acknowledge and introduce to my family. I hope to still feel your presence at my Capstone presentation and my graduation. I have cried and continue to mourn your passing AND not unlike you, am not afraid to admit that knowing you and losing you has had a profound affect on my life. With love and kindness, Wendy

Wendy Zufelt-Baxter, Cohort 15

Liz Evenson, Cohort 15

Tim Burchill was more than a faculty member; he was a generous mentor and friend. Cohorts 1-16 have had the incredible privilege of learning about the significance of philanthropy from Tim as he helped to shape our understanding of and potential impact in doing good work in our communities, states, nations and world. We have all been blessed to have known him. The last time I saw Tim was following last summer's P&D closing ceremony, at the farewell party held at Hillside. He was one of the few faculty members who came to celebrate with us students. As Tim was leaving, I approached him to say goodbye. But Tim was quick to correct me, saying, "This is not goodbye, it is until we meet again".Tim gave each of us a special gift that continues to grow. This summer and in the future, I look foward to seeing the many ways in which Tim's spirit will live on in each of us.

Liz Evenson, Cohort 15

Ken Fincher, Cohort 13

Tim Burchill came to see me when I tore the muscle in my leg during the first weekend of the P&D course. He was there when the doctor gave me three shots in the leg and he kept me laughing when I was in pain.I will always remember Tim's broad smile, gentle demeanor and wisdom. If I ever become just half the man Tim Burchill was, I will be a very happy man. I do know that the hurt I have been feeling about losing Tim, is rapidly being replaced with the joy of knowing that Tim is with God in a better place. May God bless and keep his family in the days ahead.

Ken Fincher, Cohort 13

Rosemary Salaz, Cohort 4

Words cannot express what I felt when I heard Tim had died! Even though I only had the experience of him as a teacher and Founder of P&D - he had a tremendous impact on me as a person. I never told him that because he was not one who liked to be praised, but I will always pray for him and love him! A glowing light has turned off at SMU.

Rosemary Salaz, Cohort 4

Roy Burchill, Brother

Tim and I lived 2,000 miles apart but that distance didn't deter us from having a very close relationship. I miss him dearly.I am proud to be Tim's brother. The comments on this blog as well as those that many of you shared with me last weekend made me realize what a profound and lasting impact Tim had on many people, not just on his family.While Tim's passing is very difficult to deal with, your thoughts have helped ease the pain. Thank you.

Roy Burchill, Brother

Janice Gow Pettey, Colleague

Tim served on AFP's ethics committee for a long time and I have had the honor to serve with him for seven years. Tim could always be counted on to offer thoughtful and thought-provoking comments during our meetings. On behalf of my colleagues on the committee we offer our condolences to Tim's family. His legacy will live on and the ethical light that Tim brought to us will continue to shine bright.

Janice Gow Pettey, Colleague