BURDEN, PAUL EDWARD - D.F.C. In his 84th year, Past Honorary Colonel Paul E. Burden passed away at the Veterans Health Unit in Fredericton, New Brunswick on February 18, 2005. Paul and his wife Iris (Southern) of 58 years raised a family of eight children. He is survived by sons Christopher (Barbara), Michael (Margaret Ann), Nicholas (Ruby) Peter (Mexicana Briggs) and daughters Beverley (David DeLong), Betty, and Martha (Kevin Gillrey), sister, Betty Woodside (George), 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Paul was predeceased by daughter, Penny Morrissette (Ivan), brother, George Franklin Burden, nephew, Malcolm Boyd and parents E. E. (Ted) and Myrtle Burden (Hoyt). Born in Poquiock, New Brunswick August 7, 1920 many of Paul's early years were spent on his father and grandfather's farms. He left MacDonald College after one year to join the R.C.A.F. at the age of 19, enlisting on June 27, 1940. Trained as a pilot, Paul received his wings on Fairey Battles at Kingston, Ontario. For the next two and half years he remained in Canada, first as a staff pilot at #4 Wireless School, Winnipeg and then as a member of #124 Ferry Squadron, Rockcliff. Paul was posted to the United Kingdom in 1943. As a pilot with the 434 Squadron and 405 Pathfinder Squadron respectively, Lieutenant Burden remained active until war's end, completing 43 operations. He received his demobilization from the R.C.A.F. in 1946 after spending his last months as a troop conductor on troop ships crossing the Atlantic. Upon return to Fredericton, Lieut. Burden flew his Lancaster down Charlotte Street at tree level, his mother waving her apron in response. During his career as an airman, Paul was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery; the France-German Star, 39-45 Star; the Defense of Britain medal, the Canadian Volunteer medal and clasp, the Victory medal for wartime service, the Pathfinder Force Award and the Operations Wing Award. In recognition of service to country and community, he also received the Queen's Coronation, Silver Jubilee, Centennial and Golden Jubilee medals; Canadian Corp of Commissionaires Meritorious Service, Canadian Corp of Commissionaires Long Service and Fédération des Combattants Volontaires Alliés Canada medals. In civilian life Paul was well known in the stationery profession and as a community volunteer. He operated Paul Burden Ltd. for 35 years, then Burden Office Equipment and Burden Auctioneers and Liquidators Ltd. In addition to his children, nieces and nephews, Paul gave many young people their introduction to the world of commerce. Numerous employees worked in his family operated business for decades. At one time he had more than 60 employees, all of whom he personally greeted everyday. Paul had a keen interest in community affairs, supporting a myriad of organizations. He was a member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church, York South Liberal Association, a Mason for 60 years and a Shriner. Paul served as Past President of the Fredericton Branch and New Brunswick Command Royal Canadian Legion as well as Honorary Grand Patron of that Command; Chairman of the Board of Governors New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Divisions of the Corps of Commissionaires; Charter Past President of the 252 (Lord Beaverbrook) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association in Fredericton and a former National Officer of that organization. In addition, he held positions as Past President of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Fredericton Children's Aid Society, Fredericton South Boy Scouts, District President Boy Scouts of Canada, Fredericton Board of Trade, Garrison Club, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Canadian Office Machine Dealers Association; Director - Canadian National Institute for the Blind; Vice President Kinsmens Club, Vice President National Executive Council, R.C.A.F.; Provincial Director Air Cadet League of Canada; former member of the Fredericton Police Commission and former Clerk Assistant of the New Brunswick Legislature. Paul also served as Honorary Colonel of 403 Squadron at Base Gagetown, New Brunswick. As a young man Paul owned the Montgomery Street Animal Hospital and bred bullmastiffs. He was well known in the dog show circuit. In latter years Paul pursued his life long love of animal husbandry, breeding Peruvian Passover horses. A proficient rider, he and his stallion, Tallisman, often participated in local parades and community events. His affection for children was a focal point in his life. Many summers were spent with family and friends at Lake George where Paul was said to have given every child a boat ride and a tow on water skis. Paul lived his life with purpose. He was a devoted family man, entrepreneur and gifted storyteller with a love for people, history and nature. In addition to his family, perhaps his greatest legacy was his love of country and his sense of fair play and honesty. His eternal optimism, sense of humor and gentle nature will resonate in those who knew him. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Ericson, Penny Ericson, Eric Wright, Anne Reynolds; George, Lee, Roy, Paul, Allyson and Constance Woodside; Paul Ripley, H.M. (Mac) Heckbert, M.M.: R.O. Bosence, Col. Derek Hunter, C.D.: Lieut. Col. Richard Rogers, O.M.M., C.D.; Elizabeth Rogers and David DeLong. A memorial service will be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church on February 23rd at 2:00p.m., Rev. Reg Miller officiating. In celebration of Paul's life, those in attendance are invited to join his family at the Delta Hotel following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Health Unit (700 Priestman Street, P.O. Box 9000, Fredericton NB, E3B 5N5) or an organization of the donor's choice. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. McAdam's Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. www.mcadamsfh.com