GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Donald A. Burrill, 83, of 3401 Belmont Road, Grand Forks, N.D., and formerly of Bangor, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009, at his home. Donald Allen Burrill was born May 11, 1926, son of Frank and Eva (Peavey) Burrill in Bangor. He was raised in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School in 1944. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and during World War II served with the occupational forces of the U.S. in Japan. After the war, he continued his military service and was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam era. While in the service, he attended the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in business administration. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1968. He moved with his family to England and was employed with the Department of Defense at Lakenheath Air Force Base until 1973. He transferred to the Grand Forks Air Force Base and was employed as the assistant chief of supply until his retirement in 1988. He continued to reside in Grand Forks, N.D., until his death. Donald married Betty Beamis, Nov. 22, 1961, in Norwich, England. Betty predeceased him, Dec. 16, 2000. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 157, East Grand Forks, Minn., and Fraternal Order of Elks. He enjoyed reading, gardening and listening to music. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren lovingly referred to him as “Mankie.” He is survived by his son, Duncan Burril of Minot, N.D.; daughters, Sarah Burrill and Tye Bowen of Eagan, Minn., and Naomi Burrill of Grand Forks, N.D.; grandchildren, Rebecca Patnaude, Matthew Patnaude, Rachael Patnaude, Samuel Burrill-Bowen, Tristan Burrill-Bowen and Jack Burrill-Bowen; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Patnaude. In addition to his wife, Betty, he was predeceased by infant daughter, Rebecca Ann Burrill; his parents; brothers, Frank, Ralph, Charles and James; and sisters, Anne Clark and Eva Geaghen. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Gregory J. Norman-Norman Funeral Home, South Washington Street, Grand Forks, N.D. The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com.
DONALD A. BURRILL
