Howard Burch, 78 of Sanford FL passed from this life on July 17, 2012 at his son’s home. He was born in Samsula, Florida February 8, 1934 and grew up on the river in southeast Volusia County. He served our nation for 12 years in the Navy/USMC and another 30 years with the Federal Aviation Administration (he wrote the program that first computerized air traffic control - and still runs today). His daughter Leslie remembers him as one of the most noble and upright man I have ever known.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Barbara, son Howard, Jr, daughter Leslie and grandchildren.
Slipping the Surly Bonds was written by Officer John McGee. American by birth, he flew as a test pilot (like Howard) for Canada. He died at 19.
Slipping the Surly Bonds
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds--- and done a hundred things
You may not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
Hung in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
2:00 PM Sunday July 28 ath SNPJ Lodge Samsula FL.
I have the fondest memories of your Dad. He was one of the most interesting and kindest men I've ever known. I know that he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.