CHARLES (EUGENE) BURCHILL

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Dr. Burchill was my chemistsry professer at UM during the '76-'77 year. As it was my first year in university, I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the chem lecture hall. But Dr. Burchill lectured as if all 300 of us were in a small classroom, and his enthusiasm for the course material was obvious. He was the only chemistry prof I had who could teach principles while performing a magic show in lecture! Because of his talent at teaching (at what was my most dreaded subject), I was able to successfully go on to take many more chemistry courses and eventually become a registered dietitian. Belated thanks Dr. Burchill for your skill at teaching so much to so many of us!! - Posted by: Kathryn Scoon Nichols (UM chemistry student '76-'77) on: Apr 17, 2013

• Gene and I met at the U of S. We were both involved in the Operettas there. Gene had the lead in FINIAN's RAINBOW, and was involved in BRIGADOON and played a role in BLOSSOM TIME. He and his brother Bob spent a lot of time at our home on Temperance Street in Saskatoon. I remember when he phoned to tell us he was proposing to Margaret! When ever he had coffee, he would say "Cream 'till it comes up-two lumps" HE was very much a part of the University Days. - Posted by: Marnie Patrick-Roberts (friend from University) on: Dec 30, 2012

• I recall Dr. Burchill at our church and the many things that he and Margaret did to help the Church along. I especially remember the many Church banners that he designed and created that hung in the Church. He helped us to celebrate the seasons. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Lynn Malboeuf (from Epiphany Church) on: Oct 31, 2012

• I met Dr. Burchill while working as a summer student in the University of Manitoba Chemistry Department. He was very well respected and loved by all of the students. As my parents were neighbours of his, he would often give me a ride to the campus on cold winter mornings. I still recall the wonderful, inspiring chats with him to this day. He truly was a mentor. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Debbie Nielsen (Ostlere) (neighbour) on: Oct 10, 2012

• I met Eugene at the Movement Disorder clinic where I was employed and he attended appointments. I always looked forward to seeing him and sharing some bit of conversation. He gave me a piece of his artwork that he so much enjoyed doing and I will cherish it for many years to come. He will be missed. My sympathy goes to the family. - Posted by: Ina Varga (Friend from MDC ) on: Oct 09, 2012

• Our heartfelt sympathy to Margaret and her family at this most difficult time. We met the Burchill family while attending Epiphany Lutheran Church. I was continually impressed with the willingness of both Gene and Margaret to be the first to step forward to serve and contribute to so many tasks within the church. It seemed to me that Gene was bestowed with many God-given talents whether singing, being a lay minister or crafting religious banners to adorn the church alter area. His smile and friendliness will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Margaret. - Posted by: Ron and Judy Smith (Friends from Epiphany Church) on: Oct 06, 2012

• For almost 29 years, we lived across the street from Gene and his family. They were great neighbours. I will never forget a conversation we had on the occasion of Gene's retirement from the University of Manitoba. I asked what he would miss about teaching. He responded by saying "I will tell you what I WON'T miss...I won't miss the consumerism of today's students." When asked what he meant, he said, " Today's students will say 'I paid good money for this course. I deserve an A !" I asked Gene how he responds to such a statement and he replied, "You PAID for an opportunity. What you do with that is up to you!" I will never forget that, nor will we forget Gene. Our very sincerest sympathies go to Margaret and their children and grandchildren. - Posted by: Margaret Robson (Mardi) (neighbour) on: Oct 03, 2012