To the Editor:

We would like to express our deep appreciation for the various acts of kindness that have sustained us throughout an incredibly difficult time in our lives.  We are in awe of the tremendous outpouring of love, prayers, and support (cards, flowers, food, etc.) from family, friends, and the community.

To all those who participated in the planning of, or contributed to the Oct. 11 fundraiser — Orchard Creek Golf Course, CM Fox Real Estate, colleagues, clients, family, and friends — you have blessed us in a way that cannot be expressed through words.

We are sincerely humbled by the generosity and compassion that our community has shown and continues to show us every day. To Rev. Bob Luidens, for leading us in worship and providing us with comfort in the midst of our grief. To David and Kristin Parente, at McVeigh Funeral Home, who guided us through Burls’s passing with grace, professional courtesy, and endless hours of service.

To Christ the King Church, which so graciously allowed us to use its beautiful chapel in order to accommodate all those who wanted to be present for Mark’s service.  To the Altamont Reformed Church Choir for its gift of music both at the church and the cemetery.  To John Govel and the Lia Family for donating their time and limousine services.

To the Altamont and Guilderland police departments who allowed for a safe and dignified procession. To the Altamont Rescue Squad; Dr. Mack; Dr. Kolanchick; Dr. Scott and his nurse-angel, Dorothy; Dr. Zen; New York Oncology Hematology; Albany Medical Center; the Eddy Visiting Nurses; Hospice; and the many other health-care providers that offered Burls their very best.

I special thanks to Lisa Wloch and also to the New York State Funeral Directors Association for its unwavering support.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all.  

We only have one life to live, to God be the Glory!  That is what Burls believed in and strived to live out every day.

With love and gratitude to all those that have touched our lives in ways we will never be able to repay.

Beth, Jason, Kara, and families