Charlie Burbach, a beloved educator, devout fisherman and generous man overflowing with love and kindness, passed away peacefully October 30, 2017, in St. Paul. He was 84 and he was surrounded by the people he loved.

A West Side kid through and through, Charlie spent his life in service to those around him, accepting everyone exactly as they were and amassing a colorful group of friends and an equally eclectic family.

The son of a Russian immigrant who never learned to read or write, Charlie grew up to revere education and spent his life serving others as a school principal throughout St. Paul. He loved fishing, but never learned to swim. For a time, he loved beer, but married a kind and beautiful teetotaler.

In 1958, he met Cecelia, a "smart, pretty and smiley girl" who carpooled with him to the University of Minnesota, and fell hard for her. Six months later they married, and loved each other for 58 beautiful, happy years.

He shared breakfast with close friends every Friday for over 40 years. Every Sunday, he went to service — at McDonalds, watching the news and people, while his wife was at church.

He ate what he liked — Old Country Buffet, Baker's Square and Culver's — and he did what he wanted. True to his character, in 1973 Charlie bet his brother-in-law that he'd never drink again. And he never did. "I enjoyed myself," he said, when asked on his last night whether he regretted his health. "I enjoyed my life."

Charlie was rarely seen without his signature Greek fisherman's hat, a wide, toothy smile and a diet pop. He loved watching the Gophers and Twins, playing cards and playing tennis. For over half a century, he was a member of the Baker Boys Tennis Club, a West Side social club made up of close friends and amateur tennis players.

As a principal at special education schools in St. Paul, Charlie received recognition from President George H.W. Bush in addition to two Minnesota governors and the mayor of Saint Paul. May 21, 1991 was declared Charles J. Burbach Day in the city of Saint Paul and the state of Minnesota for his support and devotion to students with special needs.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary and three siblings Ralph, Robert and Marian.

Charlie will be forever missed by his wife of 58 years Cecelia; his sister Dorothy Carlson; his three children Linda Zurn (Terry), Michael (Anne) and Joe (Tina); his seven grandchildren Sara Schulz (Jayme), Jon Zurn, Brian (Sarah), Kevin, Megan, Charlie and Jack Burbach; and his great-grandson Russell.

A service will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church (700 Wesley Ln, Mendota Heights, MN 55118) on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held beforehand beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to Bridge View School or to the donor's choice.  In making donations to Bridge View, please provide a check made out to Bridge View School to a member of Charlie's family.