Mark Van Dyke Burchfield

Mark Van Dyke Burchfield, 70, of York New Salem left the bonds of earth to fly high on January 17, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born January 26, 1953 the son of the late Charles H. and Hazel R. (Huss) Burchfield of Martinsburg, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathie. Their meeting at 4 years old in kindergarten later led to a lifetime of love and adventure. Also surviving are a brother, Charles W. Burchfield and wife Cheryl of DuBois, PA; brother-in-law Kerry Hoover and wife Beth of Martinsburg, and brother-in-law Rodney Dilling currently of Arizona. Also nieces, Rebecca Grinnen of Dubois, Kathleen Logsdon of Sarver, PA, Bobbi Stoakes of Plattenhardt Germany, Katelyn Hoover of Hollidaysburg, PA; and nephew, Ryan Dilling of Fort Irwin, California. Also surviving are great nieces, Ainsley, Lindsey, Blakely, and Alexis; and great nephews, Luke and Nick.

Mark was a 1970 graduate of Central High School, Martinsburg and The Pennsylvania State University. He was a long-time member of Camp Lookout in Potter County where he enjoyed many years of hunting and camaraderie with his dad, brother, and fellow camp members.

After several years as a field service representative for the Case Tractor Company Mark found his calling in law enforcement and served 30 years with the Northern York County Regional Police Department. He loved the years he spent as a K9 officer with his beloved partner, Seger. After retirement he continued to serve in law enforcement as an instructor at the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at Harrisburg Community College. Mark was a member of the PA Governor’s Twenty Pistol Team for several years and won many awards for his marksmanship. He was a well-respected firearms instructor and loved teaching its finer points.

Mark fulfilled a long-time passion for aviation by earning his private pilot’s license in 2005. The second greatest love of his life was his Cessna 172 airplane. He was also very proud to have attained the rank of Major in the Civil Air Patrol and most recently served as the Group 2 Safety Officer and Assistant Director of Safety for PA Wing.

He will be remembered by all as a man of many talents, a hard worker, and a loyal friend.

Family and friends welcome you to a casual open house to share stories and celebrate Mark’s life at Alert Fire Co. No.1, 3118 N. George St., Emigsville on Saturday February 24, 2024 between 1-5 PM. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements.

No flowers please. In Mark’s memory please consider a donation to one of the following organizations or other worthy cause of your choice, Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc., PO Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718 www.vik9s.org or to www.gocivilairpatrol.com/giving designate to Pennsylvania Wing Group 2.

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