He was born on Sept. 14, 1957, in Lévis, Quebec, Canada, the son of Helga and Heinrich Schrepf. Burghardt spent his childhood in Islip Terrace, N.Y. He joined the Navy in 1976 and was proud of his service and loved the opportunity to travel the world.

After moving to Virginia in 1996, he built his oasis in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. He took immense pride in his garden. He affectionately called his house “Burt’s Bed and Breakfast,” and would answer the phone saying, “Hello, Better Business Bureau.” He loved cooking food in honor of his German heritage, often calling his mom for advice on how to get it just right. He loved inviting his neighborhood friend over for late-night darts. He was always open to “something different.”

Burghardt spent the last 10 years of his life strengthening his relationships with his family. He loved being an Opa to his grandchildren. He would often be found yelling his Tarzan chant to them and strolling the mountains with them and the neighborhood dog.

He is predeceased by his father, Heinrich, and brother, André.

Burghardt is survived by his daughters Tiffany (Thomas) and Brittany (John); grandchildren Nicholas and Abigail; his mother Helga; his brothers Volker (Joan) and Michael (Dawn); his sister Barbara (Tom); his sister-in-law Cheryl; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a memorial service on Thursday, July 18, at 2 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington.

Auf Wiedersehen! Wir lieben Dich für immer. NG