(from Richard Snowberg)
Dear Clown Camp Family Members,
We have lost a member of our family. With sorrow I am writing to tell you that Don Burda passed away this morning (Thursday, September 11) at 5:15 AM. I have spoken with his daughter, Denise, and she was able to share with me the arrangements that have so far been determined. Don will have a 1 PM service on October 4th at his hometown church, United Methodist Church, in Friend, Nebraska. A private family burial service will follow. A larger Celebration of Life event will take place in Los Altos, California on his birthday, November 8th. This service will take place in the Burda’s current church, Los Altos United Methodist Church, at 655 Magdalena Avenue. This 11 AM gathering, will be a casual dress event, with attendees welcomed – if they wish, to dress in their clown wardrobe. The pastor has proposed a clown processional to begin this service. Following the service, there will be a luncheon served, at which time an open mike will be available for attendees to share memories and stories of Don’s life. The family is requesting no flowers, but is in the process of selecting memorial funds that friends can gift in Don’s memory. I will have further information within, perhaps, a few more days.
Denise shared the fact that her mother, Dee, is doing well and was pleased that their entire family was together the last hours of Don’s life. They were
thinking of their many clown friends, and difficulties in making rapid plans, when they decided on hosting a celebration of life event down the road in
November. I know that they hope that at least many of Don’s Californian friends will be able to attend this life celebration.
Because November 8th is the date for our World Clown Association midyear meeting in Denver, I will be unable to attend this gathering. However Jan and I have decided to change some of our plans and will make a surprise appearance in Friend, Nebraska for the funeral service.
Please keep Dee and the family in your prayers and thoughts.
Rich