Richard Burkhart Obituary

He taught me World History my freshmen year in high school.

I just heard about this today. I just wanted to say, that he was the greatest teacher I ever had. I was a part of his Adaptive Aquatics team, and it was one of the greatest things I ever did in my life. He was a great man, and he greatly influenced my life. It saddens me greatly to hear of his passing, and makes me regret that I never took the chance to thank him properly.

Thank you for being there for all of us. You were an amazing teacher and mentor.

Thanks for the knowledge and the good times. R.I.P.
-NCHS Class of '97

Mr. Burkhart was truly among the most memorable and influential educators in my life. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for you all.

He was great man that made a difference in North Charleston High School! He helped so many students to know it's not all about you. Taught me so much by helping with special education and not bring afraid of somebody who is different than me. Great man.

Rick was a dear friend and wonderful man. We worked together in Rye, NY in the mid 70's at the Westchester Country Club Beach club over the summers, while Rick was attending The Citadel during the school year. His family was so caring and till this day we have remained great friends. My prayers go out to Elizabeth, Alexander and Zoya during this difficult time, as well as his mother, Fay and his dear brothers and their families too. He is now resting in God's care and may his memories always shine in your hearts. Gone, but not forgotten my dear friend.You will be sorely missed. Betsy

Mr. Burkhart was the first teacher I met when going to pickup my school schedule freshman year. Over the following four years he was more than just a teacher but a mentor and friend. His impact on my life and that of many students at NCHS is beyond measure and I will be forever grateful to have known him. My condolences to the Burkhart Family on the loss of such an amazing individual.

There are just not enough words to express how sorry I am for the loss of your son Fay, and for you his brothers, Jay, David, George & Kyle. Rick was a wonderful person and has left a legacy that will never die. May God comfort and guide you as you go along with your lives without him. He will forever be in your thoughts, hearts, souls, and most of all your wonderful memories. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.

We want to express our deepest condolences on the passing Rick Burkhart. We had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Rick at the wedding of Zoya and Connor. He was very ill at the time, and yet he showed love and devotion by pushing through great pain in order to be there for Zoya. We are humbled by his efforts. I would have liked to have had more time to get to know him. His accomplishments could have only been earned by someone with immense compassion as a well as grit the likes of which few have had the chance to know. Our hearts are broken with you. Our prayers are sent to lift you up. May God's grace provide some comfort. He will never be forgotten, and he leaves behind a part of himself as a legacy through his students, friends, and his family.
With love,
The Clancy's

Elizabeth , we were so very to hear Rick had passed away. You , Alexander, Zoya and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers . Take care of yourself, love , Mike & Sally

I was fortunate to have Rick Burkhart as my mentor when I moved to Charleston and started my career in Education at North Charleston High in the late 80's. Rick was one of the most talented teachers I have ever known. I was really fortunate that Mr Burkhart took me under his wing and gave me a solid foundation for my own long career. Caring-Honest- Intelligent-Communicator-Generous-Humble-Motivivated-Hard Working-Insightful are only a few adjectives I think of when I recall my years under the tutelage of Mr Rick Burkhart. He touched thousands of lives and his spirit will always burn brightly within every individual Mr Burkhart touched in The Lowcountry of SC. That will forever be Mr Richard W Burkhart's legacy. Thank you my friend RIP ❤

Our sincere condolences go out to the Burkhart Family.

Rick Burkhart was my friend and my mentor. Rick and I taught together at North Charleston High School, served as Co-Sponsors of the Junior and Senior Classes, put on a prom, and conducted a graduation. We taught together in the Social Studies Department under the incredible leadership of Ms. Maxine Hudson. When Ms. Hudson retired, Rick assumed the Chairmanship of the department and his leadership was every bit as effective as that of Ms. Hudson. Together, we conducted record-shattering (3500-plus dozen) Krispy-Kreme Doughnut fundraisers for our Athletics Department as well as Rick's Speech and Debate Teams. Rick was there for me when my first wife suddenly passed. He was there for me when I needed advice while I served as the Athletics Director of NCHS. Rick was there for me night and day...whenever I needed him. Rick was my best friend during our time together at North Charleston. He was an amazing classroom teacher, an innovative educator, the consummate advocate for all students, and the most forward-thinking person I have ever known. We were inseparable. I am heartbroken. To Zoya and Alexander: Your father was a great man and loved both of you very much. To Elizabeth: My sincerest condolences. Thank you for being Rick's protector. Respectfully, David Colwell

Elizabeth, please accept our sincere condolences on your husband's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Natalie and Scott Bluestein

Mr. Rick Burkhart was my teacher and friend. I have a series of moments that will remain forever etched into my heart and soul. Rick as my teacher gave us a safe space to learn and grow as young adults. As an educator he made learning fun and interactive. I remember how he brought in artifacts he collected over the years and how he would use them to share his life as well as providing a lesson. One in particular was a silver cross that portrayed Jesus as a South American, teaching us how faith was introduced into native communities. I always thought of him as a real life Indiana Jones!

Men like him are few and far between. Rick took my classmate Josh Blocker and myself to our interview at The Citadel. I recall how safe and proud I felt walking into my interview because he was by my side. Josh and myself are both Citadel graduates. Another thing that we cant forget is that Rick was no pansie. He would light into me when I made mistakes but that was Rick. If we were wrong he let us know if we did good he celebrated with us. He made us ready for the world.

He truly cared about people and he devoted his life to ensuring kids had a chance in life. The world is a little less bright and he will be missed.

I was so sorry to hear the news of Rick's passing. I fondly remember when he returned to The Citadel while I was still there and the picture chosen for this notice highlights the smile I remember. Rick lived a good life and truly made a difference in this world. Please know that the entire Burkhart family is in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. I pray that the good Lord will give each of you comfort and peace through many good memories of a life well lived.

Frank A. Clarkin
The Citadel Class of 1980

It was the greatest honor to have taught with Rick at North Charleston High School; his enthusiasm, energy and kindness will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and so many others that he touched over the years.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Rick Burkhart.

Mr. Burkhart was a student teacher my senior year in high school at NCHS. He was the only teacher that ever told me I could br anything I wanted to be, all I had to do was try! We all loved him as a teacher and knew he would do great things for students once he became a teacher. He will be missed.

Rick Burkhart was one of the most influential and involved teachers I have ever known. As my teacher at North Charleston High, he continually encouraged me to participate in public speaking competitions. He took the time to present opportunities and offer guidance. He was the type of educator that I aspire to be with my students. Truly an amazing individual.

You will never know how much of an impression you made on the world. Rest easy Mr. B.

I was one of the lucky ones that had Me. B as a teacher. He taught me more than history. He taught me what it was to be a good citizen. He taught me how to give back and why that was important. I am so greatful for the life lessons that school does not teach you. I will always remember being in the Halloween skits every year. thanks Mr. B for being you and giving so much to so many. You will always live in our hearts and through the lessons you taught us that we pass down to our children.

A great man who loved to learn as much as he loved to teach. I knew him when he was quiet and thoughtful before he developed his voice and mannerisms to catch the eyes of his students. A leader who loved people. Tanks to his family for sharing him with us.

Rick was an extraordinary individual. He was very kind and caring, and really worked very well with his colleagues and students who were very fortunate to have him as a teacher.
Rick was a firm advocate for learning in the classroom, and used his time to encourage and motivate the students to do their best.
I was fortunate to enjoy his company in the classroom and at his home, and I'll never forget his welcoming smile.
God bless his family, friends, and his service to the educational community.

The Lord give him rest and peace.

Paulette Evans