Paul Burma

May 23, 1942 – May 29, 2026

Paul, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected member of the Sunnyside community, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Doris, by his side.

He was born to Anna and Jacob Buurma and grew up on a small dairy farm in Sunnyside, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance that guided him throughout his life.

After graduating from Sunnyside High School in 1960, Paul served for 12 years in the Army Reserve while also working and attending trade school. He worked in the television repair business and gradually began purchasing farmland. Beginning with a small trailer and three acres, he built a successful farming operation through hard work, patience, and careful stewardship. Over time, he was able to leave the TV repair business and devote himself fully to farming grapes and asparagus, the work he loved most. As a grape grower, he was a proud member of the Welch’s National Grape Cooperative for 50 years.

Farming was more than a career—it was his passion and calling. He found satisfaction in caring for the land and in the independence of farming. The same dedication and integrity that shaped his work also defined the way he lived and treated others.

Paul was known for his honesty, integrity, and generosity. He believed a handshake mattered and always treated others fairly. He quietly helped friends, family, and the community during difficult times, never seeking recognition. He valued character over status and relationships over possessions.

A lifelong member of the Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church, Paul's faith and love for Jesus were the foundation of his life, and he valued the friendships and fellowship that enriched his life for many decades.

Above all, Paul was devoted to his family. He shared a remarkable 63-year marriage with Doris, his constant companion and greatest supporter. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and partnership. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether around a card table or during a quiet evening together. In his later years, he especially enjoyed traveling with close friends and took great pride in becoming a Bridge Life Master. He was known for his quick wit and gentle teasing. Even in his final days, he continued to bring smiles and laughter to those around him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Doris Burma; daughters, Karin (Scott) Wheeler and Janie (Jon) Kimball; grandchildren, Abe (Margaret) Wheeler, Jake (Christina) Wheeler, Anna Wheeler, Sarah Kimball, and Rachel Kimball; great-grandchildren, Eve, Elias, and Jacob Wheeler; sister, Anne Meade; brother Gerald (Irene) Burma; and sister-in-law Melinda Buurma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Jacob Buurma, and his brother, Jacob Buurma.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the land he cared for, and the lives he touched through his quiet generosity and steadfast character. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA. following with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. at the Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church, Sunnyside, WA

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sunnyside Christian School.   

You may sign Paul's online memorial book at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.