A Tribute to Dad

Dad and I sharing a laugh at my wedding. We always laughed and enjoyed sharing stories together.

My father Mel Burchard was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on Mother’s Day, May 10th, 2009. It was out of the blue. The week before he was golfing and playing racquetball. The doctors gave him a 5% chance of making it. Both doctors said it was the worst they’d seen in their career.

Dad was a remarkable man. Funny, supportive, strong, loving. His message to us kids throughout life said everything you needed to know about the man: “Be yourself. Be honest. Do your best. Treat people with respect. Follow your dreams.”

His dedication to others spoke for itself, too. 20 years in the Marines with three tours in Vietnam. 20 years with the State of Montana. 34 years, it would have been next week, with Mom. 69 years as a very good man.

The day after Father’s Day we found out his second course of chemo therapy was ineffective. The cancer had taken his body. He understood the outcome and he was at peace with it. He would only have a few weeks to live. Dad chose to be at home, in hospice care, surrounded by and cared for by his family.

All the nurses cried when he left the hospital, because they had all come to love his humor and his stories about life. Everywhere he went, he respected others and shared a good joke and story. He set roots of friendship everywhere. Everyone loved him.

In his short time at home, Dad left nothing unsaid and nothing undone. Our immediate family was there: Mom, my two brothers Bryan and David, my sister Helen and her husband Adam, my wife Denise.

We were blessed to have this time with him. We got to tell him how proud we were of him, that he lived a good life, that Mom would always be taken care of, that his values and spirit would live on forever within each of us. These things were important to him. Until he lost his ability to speak in the final two days, he always asked that we take care of Mom. We will.

It’s hard to see your Dad fade away. But Dad did it with grace and strength even as the after effects of chemo made him terribly sick. He was so appreciative and loving as we cared for him. He knew his time was short and it was amazing to see him so loving with us, so at peace with what it was.

Dad died just before midnight. By 12:30am July 9th the nurse gave the official pronouncement. He faded peacefully, without pain, with just a few breathes spread further and further apart until he was gone. Dad died as I held his right hand, my brother Bryan held his left, and Mom and my sister by his side caressing him. At home with family surrounding him. Exactly as he would have wanted.

It’s impossible to write something like this; trying to keep it short, trying to express what a remarkable man Dad was, trying to share the news with you.

But I must and this is the best I have within me now. As you probably know in these days after losing a loved one, there’s no real time to think, only to feel, to cope, to be with family.

My family and I wanted to write this post because there are so many people we have to tell. And so many of you, my friends and readers and clients and seminar alumni, have been so kind in writing and sending your love and prayers.

My family and I want to thank you for all the support you’ve given to us – all the cards, emails, phone messages, gifts, flowers, and words of encouragement. My Dad passed knowing so many people were praying for him and thankful for having known him.

There’s no need to send any condolence cards. If you’d like, you can just write your supportive messages by leaving a reply on this blog. (Just go to the bottom of this post and click “Leave a Reply”). As odd as leaving comments on a blog might sound, it gives my family a chance to see all the comments in one place at one time. It also makes it easier on our inboxes all-around.

As a family, we will be making contributions to the following organizations, which Dad supported: Disabled American Veteran’s, Alzheimer’s Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Lady of the Rockies.

If you would like to contribute to our family and our contributions to these organizations, you can do so by clicking here.

Dad always supported vets, as he was one, and he taught us all to be very thankful for their service to our country. He was a true patriot.

Thank you again for your love and prayers.

Be present for your loved ones. You never know when your blessed time together will end.

With love,

Brendon Burchard
Author, Life’s Golden Ticket

Photos of Mel Burchard and family, followed by a video on the purpose of life.

Dad, Mom and Me at my wedding. They danced the night away.

Our immediate family at my first big seminar in Orlando. Left: Bryan, me, David, Dad, Helen and Mom

Honoring Dad and Mom at my Life’s Golden Ticket Under the Big Top event. Thanked them for their love and influence and the crowd went CRAZY!:)

Dad and Mom. They LOVED helping out and volunteering at my seminars. Dad worked harder than I did and everyone loved him.

Dad with Denise and immediate family at my wedding. (Helen was home pregnant and couldn\’t be there).

Dad holding grandson Connor for the first time! He\’s so proud of Helen and Adam!