William Frederick Burford, age 84, of North Platte, passed away September 8, 2012 at Centennial Park Retirement Park. He was born March 23, 1928 in Grand Junction, CO to Darwin and Neva Bragg Burford.
During high school Bill played football. On the summer breaks he and his older brother Lee worked in Idaho to eradicate Pine Beetles and herded sheep on Red Mountain Pass in Colorado. In 1946, after high school Bill joined the United States Army and served 1 year in post war Japan. He attended Colorado State University and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. While in school he had many jobs including a window washing business and worked on the railroad on a section crew.
He married Shirlee Flagg August 27, 1949 in Grand Junction, CO. After graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Bill worked in Denver until 1956. He and Shirlee moved to North Platte where Bill set up Valley Veterinary Clinic and practiced for 35 years. He served as president of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club. He was a member of Nebraska Veterinarian Medical Association, North Platte Ambassador of Good Will and the Moose Lodge. He joined the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee and served as the rodeo veterinarian. He was awarded the Trail Boss Award in 1985. In 2008, he among other members of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO.
Some of Bill’s other hobbies earlier in life were painting and wood carving. But Bill’s true hobby really was his work as a veterinarian.
Survivors include daughters, Lynne Burford of Denver, CO and Elaine Anne Burford of Boise, ID; son Stephen William Burford of Ft. Collins, CO; brother Pierce (Betty) Burford; grandsons Dillon J. Lockwood and Elijah K. Lockwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirlee; and brother Lee Burford.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Services will be held 1:00 p.m. September 29, 2012 at the Messiah Lutheran Church with Revered Tim Eighmy officiating.
Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 24 through Friday, September 28, 2012 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.