The Woodwards on Dr. Burch

I have started a sentence and then deleted it at least 10 times in the last 15 minutes.

It is difficult to put into words what I feel for Dan Burch. Dan is the reason we are the teachers, colleagues, and professionals we are. He hired me as a teacher; however, he saw in me more than that. He trusted in me to take on so many facets of our school outside the classroom. He asked me to serve as our WASC coordinator, not once, but five times. He was never prescriptive and allowed the staff and me to create the reports we found beneficial to our school.... and we succeeded... multiple times. I am a confident teacher, colleague and professional due to Dan.

But more importantly, Dan is the reason I am the wife and mother I am. I know that

sounds strange but let me give you some background. I was hired by Dan in 1998 at Capo Valley High School. I had been teaching in another district and Rick and I knew we wanted to raise our kids in South County. I was pregnant. I didn't tell Dan in the interview. School started and I knew I had to tell him. I was terrified. I didn't really know him and as a first year teacher at Capo, I didn't know what his response would be. His response: "What?!

This is such great news! We will have another Cougar (the mascot) on campus!" | knew l wanted to work for him as long as I could after that and so I followed him to Tesoro. Since that time he consistently supported our family in a myriad of ways; from helping Rick and I with our schedule, supporting my part-time decision, to holding our babies at football and basketball games. He even had a picture of our boys in his office until he retired. He enabled Rick and I to flourish as parents and professionals and that made such an impact on our family.

We are so heartbroken at Dan's passing. The only solace is that he has left a legacy of Wisdom, Strength and Honor that will live on for generations to come. We love you, Dan.