OBITUARY
Paul William Burkhard

Born September 28 1943 in Buffalo, he was the son of late Raymond and Marie Gianelli Burkhard.

Long time resident of Ellicottville Mr. Burkhard passed away Thursday March 5, 2009 at Absolut of Salamanca, N.Y.

Paul was a self-employed highly skilled tradesman in all areas of construction, and is fondly remembered for his generous nature; he was always available for anyone that needed his help. Especially for his friends from Ontario who reside at Sun up Holiday Park.

Paul was very proud of his friendship with the guys at Great Valley Builders; he loved it when they invited him to supper and fun at the Casino.

Paul was well respected for his talented tinkering ways; he could take apart and repair anything from lawn mowers to automobiles. He built and flew his own Gyro-Copter and also built his own sailboat and trailer.

Over the years he made fast friendships with those that employed his services, including Cheryl Kane owner the Barn and the late Michael Kearns Sr. from Balloons.

Paul was a member of the Southern Tier Power Squadron, a group that promotes safe power boating. He was also active in Search and Rescue with his beloved bloodhound “Moonshine”
Before moving to Ellicottville Paul lived in Franklinville where he owned and operated a tree farm.
Paul is survived by his wife Debra; son Sam (Stephanie); a stepdaughter Jamie Lynn (Jeff Schoeman) Vaughan; Brother Richard (Elaine) Burkhard; a nephew Mark (Kim Burkhard); two nieces Cathy (Dan) Dunkleman and Laura (Bill Rosenberry) Burkhard and seven great-nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said Friday, March 13 at 6 PM from Holy Name of Mary Church in Ellicottville

Join in a celebration of his life, to be held directly after service at the Ellicottville American Legion Post 659 on Maples Rd.

In lieu of flowers; Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Home Care Hospice.