Community dealing with a great loss
Updated: November 13, 2012
SAVOY -- Richard Burwash died Saturday. He just recently found out he had cancer. He and his family helped in the development of Savoy Plaza. That's because, before it was filled with all the businesses, they lived there. His father sold it to a real estate developer who made it what it is today.
"He's one of the most positive and energetic people I've ever known in my entire life," said Dudley Carroll.
He's worked on his uncle's farm for about 35 years and was with Burwash the night before he died.
"They were doing to discharge him the next day so we said, 'we'll see you around 10:00 in the morning.' And he just passed when we got back," said Carroll.
Burwash just recently found out he had cancer but even that news couldn't slow him down.
"We were just, we were stunned. We didn't expect it. A person with that much life in him. You can't help but be surprised," said Carroll.
The 94 year old's life was full.
"He was connected to all the people around here. He was a member of his church, you know a father, a husband, all those things," said Carroll.
He was a member of the Farm Bureau, Rotary Club and was on the board of directors for Champaign National Bank, then Busey Bank, as well as Carle Hospital.
"I don't know anybody else like him. I don't know who would be him or do what he did. So we'll just have to go on without him but it won't be the same," said Carroll.
On top of everything else, Burwash was also a veteran. He served in WWII. One of the most recent things he got to do was go on the Honor Flight.
Memorial Services
November 24
Windsor of Savoy
Burwash Avenue
Noon - 4 pm
"He's one of the most positive and energetic people I've ever known in my entire life," said Dudley Carroll.
He's worked on his uncle's farm for about 35 years and was with Burwash the night before he died.
"They were doing to discharge him the next day so we said, 'we'll see you around 10:00 in the morning.' And he just passed when we got back," said Carroll.
Burwash just recently found out he had cancer but even that news couldn't slow him down.
"We were just, we were stunned. We didn't expect it. A person with that much life in him. You can't help but be surprised," said Carroll.
The 94 year old's life was full.
"He was connected to all the people around here. He was a member of his church, you know a father, a husband, all those things," said Carroll.
He was a member of the Farm Bureau, Rotary Club and was on the board of directors for Champaign National Bank, then Busey Bank, as well as Carle Hospital.
"I don't know anybody else like him. I don't know who would be him or do what he did. So we'll just have to go on without him but it won't be the same," said Carroll.
On top of everything else, Burwash was also a veteran. He served in WWII. One of the most recent things he got to do was go on the Honor Flight.
Memorial Services
November 24
Windsor of Savoy
Burwash Avenue
Noon - 4 pm
