E. Burr, Charles

Charles E. Burr of 5939 Burr Road, Trumansburg, passed away at the Cayuga Medical Center on Monday, November 24, 2003 at the age of 83.

Born on May 17, 1920 in the Hamlet of Searsburg, Charles was an only child of Charles William and Jane Cole Burr. (He was born in the farm house built by his great-grandfather).

Following graduation from Trumansburg Central School in 1938 he completed a 2 year special agricultural course at Cornell University.

He married Pauline E. Thompson, daughter of Herbert and Lillian Thompson of Interlaken in 1943. Together, they raised their three children and built the farm operation. Dairy farming was a labor of love for Charles. The tireless commitment to the development of his farm and his expertise in breeding pure-bred cattle earned Charles and Burr Ayr Farms, Ltd a great deal of respect over the years. His presence will be sorely missed.

Charles was a life member of the Searsburg Community Church and had served as deacon. He was also a 65 year member of the Searsburg Grange and a past master. He was also a member of the Schulyer Pomona Grange and the State and National Grange. He was proud of his membership in the National Ayrshire Breeders association, and was past President of the New York State Ayrshire Association and the Fingerlakes Ayrshire Club. He served 38 years as a dedicated Councilman for the Town of Hector was a Republican Committee Member for Hector 2 and DHIA State Director for 8 years. He received the Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension Award, served as 4H leader and served on the Extension Board. He was also a member of the Dairy Shrine Club, a past Director of Hector Grazing, and Dairy Cattle Superintendent of the Trumansburg Fair. He was also an Ayrshire delegate to the Pure Bred Dairy Cattle Association for a number of years.

In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Pauline, Charles is survived by two sons, Kenneth C. (Kathleen) Burr of Trumansburg and David T. Burr of Beaver, PA.; one daughter, Christine B. (Gregory) Nunn of Clifton Springs; and five grandchildren, Kenton C. Burr of Trumansburg, Kimberly A. Burr of Chicago, IL, Justi (Jordan) Thomas of Rockville, MD, Brenna L. Burr of Boston, MA and Andrea M. Nunn of Providence, RI.

In keeping with Charles' wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be scheduled and announced at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Searsburg Community Church, C/O Mrs. Edith Foster, 6024 Brook Rd., Trumansburg, NY 14886, the Trumansburg Fire Dept. or the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund at P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886, or to the Lakeside Nursing Home Residence Fund, 1229 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director