Paul Burbridge

Paul J. Burbridge Sr., 57, of Long Beach died June 17,2007 at home following a valiant fight with cancer. Born April 13, 1950 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of James and Rose (Krushinski) Burbridge. At an early age the family moved to Buena Park, CA where Paul attended school and graduated from Buena Park High School. He then enrolled at Cypress College, where he obtained his certificate in drug and alcohol counseling, a career he would be in his entire working life until his illness prevented him from continuing. He loved others and dedicated his life to helping people. Some of the facilities he practiced at were the Northwest Indian Treatment Center in Elma, WA, B.O.S.S. in Berkeley, CA, De Paul Treatment Center in Portland and lastly for the Clatsop County Dept. of Corrections in Astoria, OR. He was a devout member of the Ocean Park Community Church. He loved to be at the coast and his regular walk on the beach was his most enjoyable experience. On October 24, 1988 he married Kathleen O'Donnell. She survives at the family home. Also surviving is son Paul Burbridge of Windsor, CA; daughters Wendy Burbridge of San Diego, CA and Erin Spinney of Placentia, CA; sister Barbara Ann Hamlin of Las Vegas and sister and brother-in-law Suzie and Thomas Rohrback of Gig Harbor, WA; grandchildren Allison and Austin Spinney as well as ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter Grace Burbridge and a brother James Walker Burbridge. Also surviving is his closest friend, companion and guide, "Laser" his Seeing Eye dog. A celebration of Paul's life will be held this Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Ocean Park Community Church, 268th & Vernon Ave in Ocean Park. Cremation and scattering at sea will follow. The family requests that donations be made to the Women's Resource Center/Pioneer House, 1010 Duane Street #207, Astoria, OR 97103. Arrangements entrusted to Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. Please sign the online guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com.