Obituary of Roger J. Burhans

Roger J. Burhans, 76, of Atwood Rd., Moravia, passed away December 18, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. Born May 12, 1942 in Cortland, Roger is a son of the late Paul C. and Laura Bell Burhans. A truck driver by choice, and mechanic by necessity, he drove over 50 years, eventually building Bur-Trans Trucking into a nation-wide family-operated business. A man of few, but powerful words, hands of great strength and tenderness, and deep wisdom in his walk. He was known to all who encountered him as a man of his word, who never asked what was in it for him before doing what he thought was just right. He was married 54 years to his "bushel and a peck", the love of his life, Jerri. Together they built what he considered his greatest legacy: a family full of independent and unique spirits with talents and gifts in which he took great pride. Their sons; Roger Jr. (Nicole), Jeffrey (Julie) and John, daughters; Leisa Alger and Sheila (Jason Cronk) Burhans understood he expected those strengths to be used to the best of their ability, in support of their own best lives, and in love of one another. He would have the world know the roll call of his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Nichole, Jessica, Lucas, Anne, Molly, Sophie, Sawyer, Elijah, Jonah, Ethan, Gabriele, John-Morgan, Isabelle, Magdelan, Anastasia, Natalie, Xxavior, Amyra, and Cebastian. He was a beloved brother to Paul, Donald, Arden, Richard, Stanley and Beatrice. As uncle, friend and mentor to many more, there was a special place in his heart for his "Kids of Summer": Toni, Colleen, Kim, Laurie and George. A funeral service will be held on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland with the Rev. Tom Rofe officiating. Interment will take place in the Atwater Cemetery, Homer in the spring. Friends are invited to call on Sunday 1:00-2:45 pm prior to the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Dr., Auburn, NY 13021. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com.