Birth date: Jun 8, 1929 Death date: Sep 11, 2020
William E. “Bill” Burford, 91, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Anne Home & Retirement Community, Fort Wayne. Born in Delaware County, Indiana, he was the son of the late William “Ellis” and Mildred Evelyn (Kirklin Read Obituary
I'm so sorry to see Bill and Dorothy's passing.
I was a their neighbor in the early-mid 1960s and they were all very friendly. Never forgot the "saw sharpening" sign in their front yard. Happy memories from playing with the Burford's up at Muncie Lake so long, long ago.
Rest in peace; you both made the world a happier place!
Don (Thomas) Nieter
Dear Burford Family,
I send you my sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. His talent and ability to teach young children and youth was extraordinary. He became and remained a pillar of the musical community in New Haven. His leadership in his church and community will long be remembered and appreciated. My thoughts and prayers will be with you through this time of transition.
Donald I. Snyder
I met Mr Burford in 1990 as a student of his piano studio where I saw him once a week for 10 years. He would always ask me near the holidays (any holiday - Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween) if I had my tree up and decorated for that holiday. As a kid I would be tickled by this question every time he asked. As an adult I will ask people if they have their tree up for any particular holiday and share this story about my piano teacher.
I also have fond memories of his annual art contest for all the students to vote on their favorite art piece with a blue ribbon placed on the winner’s art work; when Mr and Mrs Burford switched rooms for piano lessons one time; those little classical musician statues (I still have mine), and, piano recital day that we all practiced for each week until the big day - my favorite duet with Mr Burford was a piece from the opera “Carmen”.
I am saddened to hear Mr Burford has passed, but will keep sharing my happy memories and stories of my favorite piano teacher, as well as, keep the good pieces of music out on the piano to always be ready to share the talent he taught me.
My sincere condolences to Mrs Burford and the Burford Family!
Sincerely,
Amber (Carr) Kocher
A painting that he gave to me.
Wes Gall
I will always remember him as Mr. Burford. He was my son's teacher, mentor and friend for many years. He showed my son the beauty of the piano as well as the beauty and warmth of his heart. We have a special place in heart for Bill. He touched our lives and left his soul's impression on us. Our hearts and prayers are with Dorothy and the Burford family.
Jim & Karen Gall
Friend
William, or as I knew him, Mr. Burford, was a my piano teacher for 7 years. I considered him a trusted friend and we would often talk about life as much we would talk about music. He had a wonderful sense of humor, at the end of every lesson he would ask what's the password? Of course he hadn't told me or would make up a new one that I would have to remember until the next lesson. To his remaining family, I offer my sincere condolences, he lived a full life that touched the lives of those who knew him and likewise made their lives just as full, he will be greatly missed.
Wesley Gall
Student
A great man and a great piano teacher and pianist. He would always greet me with “Well, what do ya know?” He was my mother’s piano teacher as well as her siblings’. What a great loss in all of our lives. He will be greatly missed.
I had Mr. Burford for my piano teacher as a young girl and so did some of my siblings. He was an incredible teacher and would have recitals each year. His wife was also a gifted teacher and they were both amazing when they would play a duet at the recitals. They seemed like a Hollywood dream couple! Later when I was teaching he would come into my classroom each week and volunteer an hour of his time each week to listen to my students read. He always dressed up and wore a special tie,had the best smile and such a great sense of humor. They children looked forward to him coming and enjoyed their reading time with him and the encouraging words he gave them. After they read they usually received a mint. Mr. Burford was such a modest man and I had to beg him to play the piano for the kids and they were in awe! He was also a very talented artist and at various times at my request he also would share some of his beautiful artwork.
Rest In Peace Mr. Burford! You were a kind, generous, humorous, talented man who made the world a better place! Heaven has gained a real Gem!
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Burford and family during this time. Although not my teacher, I will never forget being greeted by Mr. Burford with a joke and a smile the many years you taught me at Burford Studios. Watching the two of you play duets together was simply magic. The gift of music that you both gave is truly cherished, and I am blessed to have known him.
My sincere condolences to Dorothy & family ! Bill will be missed by all , enjoyed his ties & his quick one-liners ! From one Navy guy to another , Anchors Away !
