JOHN BURDICK

December 23, 1944 – May 1, 2023

According to his mother, John Chesterfield Burdick was born on a cold day just before Christmas on December 23, 1944, in Syracuse, New York. He grew up in Alfred, NY with mother Evelyn (May) Burdick, father Gerald Burdick, and elder brother, Dr James F Burdick.

John graduated from Alfred University in 1967 with B.A. in Economics, Business Administration, and Romance Languages. During the Vietnam War era he was drafted into the U.S. Army after flunking 5 draft physicals. He would always joke that, despite his bad knees, the Army just wanted a live body. He worked in Payroll and drove an Army truck.

After the Army, John went to live in New York City and eventually Long Island and worked in Human Resources and Facilities Management. His true love, however, was taking nature photographs, and he was quite successful at art fairs. Last year he placed Second in the Lake County Fair Art Contest.

Surviving John are his wife of over 41 years, Nikki, whom he described as "the love of my life, the best friend a man could have." He described his son, Andrew Burdick, as "one who will one day make an indelible mark on the world." Other survivors include a brother, Dr James F. Burdick (Mary), cousins Gloria Galloway, Stephen Burdick (Andrea), Carol Finlan (Chris), and Mary Brown (Doug). John will be deeply mourned by his constant companion and canine friend, Gracie, who always lay near him.

In moving to Heritage Hills in 2019 after Nikki retired, John felt as though he'd landed in paradise. He joined the Heritage Hills Singers, the South Lake Art League, and participated in many social events at the Heritage Hills Clubhouse, making many good friends along the way. John loved his family, jazz music, nature, and his dog.

John's ashes will eventually be transported to be spread onto the Moon River in Bala, Ontario, Canada as per his wishes. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Heritage Hills Clubhouse on Saturday, June 3, 2023, between 1:00-5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Wildlife Conservation Network, World Wildlife Fund, or your local animal rescue organization.