Jan 30, 2024
Dear family, friends, and supporters,
It is with deep sadness and regret that we report that despite excellent care, Burdick William Smith has passed away. He began to decline this past week and was transitioned to hospice care at Memorial Hermann Hospital, The Woodlands TX. After a long and difficult fight, he passed peacefully in his sleep on the afternoon of January 26, 2024, at 4:20 pm.
His wife Katherine, daughters Heather and Jamie, and son Matthew were by his side at his time of parting.
Burdick goes on to reunite and serve with loved ones who have gone before. Leaving for a time, his wife Katherine, their seven children and spouses, nine and a half grandchildren, his elder brother Alden, and two sisters Laura and Lenora to carry on his legacy.
It is difficult to express how much he was loved; not only was he a wonderful husband and father, but he was a wonderful example of patience, kindness, compassion, service, and hard work. A good and loyal friend to many.
We thank you for donations and for continued donations as we manage the medical costs for his care and passing.
Jan 20 20204
Hello Dear Friends!
There’s been a lot to going on in Dad’s (Burdick’s) care. This has been an especially difficult fight for him. He has struggled with some fevers, mild infection, and an unexpected issues with his nutritional intake that led to electrolyte imbalances, all of which have impacted his overall recovery process. With a lot of tweaking and fine tuning from the doctors and dietitians, he has gotten his electrolytes manages and has had fewer issues with keeping the nutrition in his system.
He had to have an additional medical surgery the Sunday before last when the Doctors detected pulmonary embolisms during a standard contrast screening of his lungs. They determined that the risks of another brain bleed by using blood thinners to address the embolisms was too high, and thus recommended surgery. They were able to successfully suction the blood clots and also inserted a protective mesh in an abdominal vein that will help prevent large clots from passing through.
Dad has been stable since the surgery and had increased times where he was awake during the last few days, though it is apparent he is very tired and it is difficult for him to interact when he wakes. He is doing better with his nutritional intake with much thanks to the wonderful nurses and dietitians who have been able to increase his nutritional intake with fewer issues.
We continue to ask that you continue to keep Him and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your support!
Dad’s Battle for Health
Burdick Smith. Husband, Brother, Father, Friend, “Grampa”, and the guy that tells the best (or worst) jokes, these are but some of the words and titles that describe him, but certainly some of the most important ones that do.
In December, while on a trip to visit family for Christmas, Dad suffered a hemorrhagic stroke (a severe brain bleed), which resulted in him needing intensive life-saving emergency measures and now equally intensive care. He is fighting daily to recover and improve.
In Dad’s waking moments, he seeks familiar voices and faces and tries to interact despite physical limitations. With therapy, he may get closer to a strong level of functionality. The doctors who are overseeing him believe he will benefit the most from continued therapy for the best chance of recovery.
Thus far, Dad has received the best care possible in the U.S.A. Unfortunately, it has come at a steep price without insurance. Beyond the cost of his hospital bills, to get Dad the therapy he needs in a skilled nursing and rehab facility, we need to raise funds. In short, we need help.
We are asking you, at this time, his friends, family, and associates who have known and worked with him through the years for that help. We are aiming to raise $100,000+ toward his continued therapeutic care. While this is just a portion of his medical costs, is essential to his recovery.
We are so grateful for you all in our lives. Thank you for your prayers, love, and help with his care.
The Smith Family