Clifton Harwood Birchard Jr.

Birchard, Clifton Harwood, Jr.

Clifton “Buzz” Harwood Birchard Jr., 58, of Birchardville, met face to face with his Lord and Savior, October 23, 2015. He passed away while visiting with his daughter in Port Saint Lucie, Fl.

He was born to Clifton Sr. and Pearl Birchard on November 10, 1956 in Montrose, Pa and lived in Birchardville, Pa. At a very early age his family moved to Binghamton, NY. He attended Chenango Forks School and finished his high school education at Ross Corners Christian Academy. Upon marriage in 1979, he returned to Birchardville with his wife, Marsha.

Buzz worked in computer manufacturing and information technology throughout his career. He was most recently employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton as a technical associate engineer. He enjoyed going to work every day and loved the personal interaction with his coworkers.

He was an active member of Forest Lake Baptist Church where he had served in many capacities. He has been the Awana commander for the past 25 years. Most recently he also worked in the sound room, and enjoyed the role of “coffee man” on Sunday mornings.

Buzz was dedicated to the history and the future of his community. He served as president of the Birchardville School Educational and Historical Association. He worked hard to make sure the one-room schoolhouse museum was preserved for visitors to enjoy. Buzz was also president of the Birchardville Cemetery Association and it was his desire to make sure the cemetery was pristine and well maintained. He truly earned the self-proclaimed title of “Mayor of Birchardville.”

Buzz began his career as a basketball coach at Ross Corners Christian Academy in the late 1980’s working with the Junior High boys. In 1999 he moved to the Junior Varsity coaching position and in 2005 he began coaching the Varsity boys. His coaching career continued up until the week of his death. His passion for the game and his desire to positively impact students with the gospel of Jesus Christ led him to devote countless hours to his players both on and off the court.

Buzz was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Clifton Birchard and Pearl Birchard. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Marsha, his daughter Bethany and her husband Matthew Skoczylas, his daughter Alissa and her husband Joseph Lozano, and two granddaughters, Della and Helena Skoczylas. He is also survived by his brother Robert Greenwood and his wife Judy, his sister Betsey and her husband Randy Hay, and many other beloved family members.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Forest Lake Baptist Church in Montrose, Pa. on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 6:30pm. Because Ross Corners Christian Academy has played such a vital role in our family and Buzz had such a heart for this ministry, in lieu of flowers, we would like donations to be made to the Ross Corners Christian Academy Athletic Department, 2101 Owego Road Vestal, NY.