John Burgher Obituary

I Wish You Enough



Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said "I love you. I wish you enough"



The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than

enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".



They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the

window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry.



I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed

me in by asking “Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it

would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking

but why is this a forever good-bye?"



"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and

the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral" she said."



When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say 'I wish you enough'.

May I ask what that means?"



She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from

other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."



She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in

detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them"



Then turning toward me she shared the following as if she were

reciting it from memory ---



I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear

much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.



*************



They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Take time to live . . . I wish everyone I meet enough.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much.



*************



I had gotten this story and closing thought from a friend on the internet. It made me think of Dad. Not because he had said those words, “I wish you enough” but because that was how he lived and how he wished for his children and friends to be happy. He did not wish for everyone to be rich or famous or glamorous but just for them to be happy with what they had, what they could be, what made a difference for them and for them to be successful in whatever it was that made them happy.



It has been a hard first year without him. Joe and I have thought about him with every happy moment and success that occurred in our lives this past year, every milestone that our son has accomplished, every time an ambulance passed on the street as Alex would say “There’s Papa going to heaven!”, and each time we got together with the family and there was an obvious presence missing-yet no one wanting to mention it.



We have just announced to our family and friends that our second child is on the way and due in late August 2005. It hurt to think that this would be the first grandchild who would not know Papa or have any special memory of him to treasure as their own. And while we didn’t say it out loud to one another Joe and I knew that the other had thought the same as we began telling people our news.



As I begin to gather the last of the cards, pictures and print the pages from the on-line legacy guest book to put into a memory box for the family, his absence again hits me hard. I hope that he is in a better place and watching over all of us as we continue on with our lives in a world where he is not with us.



Dad, we miss you! We remember only the good times and hear your laughter when we are together celebrating life. We wish you enough where you are and wish our family and friends enough as they go through their lives.



Love, Gayle

8-25-04 I sit here at 3:30 in the morning. Can't sleep again. There are so many things I miss. The heartbreak is unbelievable. I feel like half a person. I should have known the time was soon. The last kiss should have given me a clue. I miss the "Did you ever think of that!" The times we shared. The way you were always right. The times we would lay in bed and talk about the day we got married, the day each of the kids were born, all the other things that happened in our lives together. We'd laugh about how your mom was, The way she saved the tea bag, when she rinsed off her ice and put it back in the freezer (ha, that was really funny). Remember your mom and dad doing the dishes together, just so they could spend time with each other. Most of all I can't seen to get over the empty side of the bed. It was always nice to roll over and feel your body there. I know you are thinking of me because I have found money on the ground. Pennies from heaven. You are my angel in heaven. You weren't suppose to leave me. DO YOU UNDERSTAND. I have to change songs on the radio because they make me cry. I have trouble coming home from work every day, because I know you are not there. I keep kleenex in the car. WHY? WHY? WHY? The first time I left the house after you died, it was really final, I could not kiss you goodbye like we always did when we left each other. I feel like I am dying inside. I had better go change my nightgown since I just soaked it with tears. I'll come back and write again. Just remember - I LOVE YOU LIKE NOTHING ELSE!

I miss John so very much every Saturday he would come into Swede's and say Hellow with a smile. IF you could see it thew the beard. He never stop talking but always on a posivite note, even when you would say shut up, he would just keep carrying on on.

Thats why we all loved his so very much as your friend.

John and I were comrades - We shared in the fight against that horrible disease. When he and I talked, he always had an encouraging word and a great spirit. I will always remember him as a very kind man.

Barb Kira

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Burgher family on the loss of John. John was always great to us. I remember running into him last year. It had been at least six years since I had seen him, but the conversation I had made me feel like it had been only a day. I remember seeing him at S'N'S when I was a kid. It was the only time I ever saw him shaved. Before I realized it was him, I remember thinking "Wow, someone borrowed Mr. Burgher's clothes!". He will be missed, he was definitely an original.



Our deepest regards,



Mark and Kim Sendra

I would like to thank you for your protection, support and guidance of my family. You had made yourself available to us with paltry issues, as well as, more comprehensive situations.

However, on this day, my heart screams out to you and Dad.

Not just one, but two Fathers!

Two Fathers that will never be there for me and five of their children.

Not just one, but two Fathers!

That will never be there for their grandchildren.

Not just one, but two Fathers!

My heart will scream and cry until the end of time.

Not just one, but two Fathers!

I am grateful for the reminders of

Not just one, but two Fathers.

The theories, the hopes, the dreams of

Not just one, but two Fathers.

Forever will the signature of your life be in my soul.

Make that

Not just one, but two Fathers.



PS I have more lightbulbs so have at it.

We all have memories of uncle john he was the one person you could call at 2:00 in the morning & ask him for a ride cause you had a flat & he was happy to do it,he took talia and mandi fishing at the camper which they will always remember,& he was probebly the only person in our family that would stalk you down if you didn't give him a kiss everytime you saw him.We will always hold these memories in our hearts and be proud to say he was our uncle.we love you and miss you and will definitly never forget you.So if you occasionally get a wiff of old style when your alone dont be scared its just uncle john watching out for you like he always has.

Krys & Talia Szudy

Mandi McCarthy

As my Dad recapped the last few months of John's life for me, he mentioned to me that John never mentioned to his friends how serious his situation was until the very end. For someone who ALWAYS had something to say, this speaks volumes for the character of a great man. John, you will truly be missed. You and Dupa will have fun watching the world from the skies. Save some stools for us. Peace to all.

Jas was a classic buddy who would help anyone who expressed a need. He made setting up bingo tables fun along with Dad, and his Dupa was always in tune. We miss you Jas.



Love ya Buddy

John, John, John, I'm here to give you the up-date from Swedes, they retired your Jelly Jar, and put away what was left of your Black Label(yuk,I took a sip for you)and our afternoons are not the same without you. Thank you for your guidance and warmth,you were always there when it was most needed and I knew it would be held in the utmost confidence.You also drove me nuts! I miss you John and I know if "Pops" and "Bear" had it their way, they'd tell you how much they miss you also. I'm honored to have been your bartender, but most of all your friend. Love Lisa

P.S. They are called Kangaroo Slots.

What to say about my dad. Well I know I will miss watching him and my daughters Brenna and Ryleigh play together. I will miss the hard headed arguements we had with each other. I can recall many times when I needed help or advice and just had to pick up the phone and call dad. I thank him for all of the irritating traits and the good looks that he past to me. I miss him more and more as each day goes by, I loved him more than anyone could ever know.I LOVE YOU DAD

Here is a little letter from Ryleigh

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John is a very good buddy of mine and my family. We have shared a lot of good times together which we will never forget. I miss him very much and think of him often. When my day comes, I know I am in for a big surprise when I meet him and Dupa. They are like 2 peas in a pod.

I have thought of John as my Best Friend for alot of years. I already miss the fun times we shared together, and the fun we had rehashing them. JohnI know you can read this, and all I want to say I hope you and Hank are having a great time bringing each other up to date. I feel myself as something special, because I knew you. And no I'm not afraid to say "I Love Ya Guy".

i think uncle john was a very good man and i wish he was still here but i guess it was just his time to go "sob sob" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if he up there i hope he says hi to uncle ron and jimmy for me i bet they are having a party up there watiching us be our odd selves but he was one of those odd people once so i just wanted to say love you miss you and say hi to ron and jimmy for me

later ................... talia

Dear Papa, Ryleigh and I miss you very much. I look at your picture and wear my necklace so I could think of all the things we did together. I know you can hear me in heaven, so never forget ha ha I LOVE YOU MORE!

Love and Miss you

Brenna

I will miss my dad so much. I will miss all the days he would call me at Cary's at 1:30 to tell me that he was going swiming to hurry home because the water was warm. The nights sitting by the fire talking until mom would yell at us to come in beacuse dinner was ready. I'll miss the way he never shut up, his laugh, his smile, and that purple speedo. But most of all I will miss him.

I Love and miss you dad.

I will miss my second dad very much. As my husband has already said, I hurt for all the time his grandson, Alex, will not have with his "Papa". Alex already misses him and asks where he is almost everyday. Miss you Dad! Love Gayle

I have had the honor of having John as my brother-in-law for almost 35 years.I believe that to be a victory for both of us.He could be trying sometimes!! Through our ups and downs though if I ever needed help, he was the man to call. I will miss his colorful ways and his headstong opinions. Hey John, tell dad(slick) we said hi cuz I know he's waiting for you. Luv ya, miss ya, see ya later. Love, Susie

Our deepest sympathy goes out to John's family. He will be greatly missed by his neighbors, and friends Jumbo, Peggy, Jordan, Jerry and I will miss all the stories that he told. He was a great guy!

Deepest of Sympathy and God Bless you all. Hopefully he will be with Ronny and have eternal peace.

ANYONE WHO NEW MY BROTHER-IN-LAW "JOHN" KNEW THAT HE WAS QUITE A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL..MANY TALES TO TELL! HE HAS BEEN APART OF MY LIFE FOR 34 YEARS..WHEW...A LONG TIME WITH JOHN!! HE WAS AN OUTSTANDING UNCLE TO MY 4 DAUGHTERS, HE ALWAYS INSTRUCTED THEM TO CALL HIM IF THEY EVER GOT ARRESTED, I'M SURE THEY ARE GONNA MISS THAT SECURITY. I ALSO KNOW THAT HE WAS AN INCREDIBLE "PAPA" TO ALL HIS GRANDCHILDREN, THEY TRULY HAVE SUFFERED A HUGE LOSS. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT JOHN IS IN A GOOD PLACE AND HE WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME SEEING ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HE HAS MISSED ALONG THE WAY. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND KEEP THEM STRONG. JOHN, HERES A CANADIAN CLUB TO YOU, BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!

LOVE, BARB

John will be missed by all. He was a loving individual who would do anything for his children and grandchildren. He certainly tried to enjoy his 58 years to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family during this period of adjustment and coming celebration of John's life.

To my valued colleague & friend, Joe & all of John Burgher's loved ones: sincerest & deepest condolences on the passing of John Burgher. May his soul rest in true Peace on the Wing's of his Creator. May his memory be for a Blessing & inspiration for all of his loved ones to love life & each other & to do good earthly deeds in his spirit & in your own merit! May you celebrate his spirit often & happily, remembering him for good & joy & not for suffering. Sincerely, Barry Mogil

I will miss Dad more than anyone can know. He has always been an understanding and accepting person. He has always been there for me when I have needed him most.

I hurt for the Papa that Alex will miss - it breaks my heart.

May Dad rest peacefully and his memories live in our hearts eternally.