Robert L. Burrill

COLEBROOK – Robert L. Burrill, 80, of Colebrook, passed away at his home on Sunday evening, April 27, 2014, after a long period of ill health and with his beloved family at his side. Born in East Colebrook on Nov. 24, 1933, he was the son of the late Alton and Evelyn (Dingman) Burrill. He was raised on the family farm on Cree Road, and was a 1951 graduate of Colebrook Academy. Following school, Bob worked for a period at the Bohanan Farm in Contoocook, NH. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1956-58 among occupation forces in Germany, and he later returned to the Bohanan Farm to work his way through college, eventually obtaining his a bachelor’s degree from UNH. Bob returned to home after school, working various jobs lumbering and farming. He also chauffeured Neil & Louise Tillotson for a period of time, worked in real estate, and became a land surveyor. Half-way through one school year, the vocational arts teacher left Colebrook Academy, and Bob was enticed to take that teaching job. He started immediately, obtained his teaching credentials and remained as one of Colebrook Academy’s most beloved faculty members for the next 26 years, retiring in 1994. He was an award-winning advisor to the Local FFA (Future Farmers of America), and chaperoned many convention trips to Kansas City with his students. In that capacity, he was nominated at one time by the national FFA board of directors to receive the national “Honorary Farm Degree.” He was also a mentor to many of his students, many of whom maintained their friendship. Bob was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, and was a 65-year member of the Mohawk Grange #217. Bob is survived by his wife of more than 38 years, Yvonne (Poulin) Burrill of Colebrook; his son, Brian Burrill of Colebrook; his sister, Shirley Stuart and husband Zane of Hooksett, NH; a grandson, Nicholas Burrill; and a sister-in-law, Jane Burrill of Herkimer, NY; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother, R. Keith Burrill. Calling hours will be on Thursday, May 1, 2014, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., May 2, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Colebrook with The Rev. Paula Fletcher officiating. A committal service with military honors will be later in the spring at St. Brendan’s Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Burrill may be made to the Canaan FFA program, c/o Deb Lynch at CMHS, 99 School St., Canaan, VT 05903. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Robert L. Burrill

November 24, 1933 - April 27, 2014