Vincent de Paul "Paul" Burkhart

Vincent de Paul "Paul" Burkhart, known to all as Paul, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona, at the age of 89. He was born on April 24, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he grew up and began a life marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and the many interests that brought him joy. Paul graduated from Calvert Hall in 1953 and went on to the University of Maryland earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1959 followed by a Master of Science in 1972.

He completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, through the Army Training Center Armor Division, graduating with his battalion on March 26, 1960, and receiving his commission into the National Guard. Paul married his beloved wife, Patricia "Pat" Turner on September 8, 1962, at St. Mark's Church in Bel Aire, Maryland and together they built a family of four children.

While raising their family in Catonsville, Maryland, Paul served as Director of the Department of Pharmacy Services at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. In 1982, he moved with his family to Seattle, Washington, where he became Director of Pharmacy Services at the University of Washington and Harborview Hospitals. Paul also enjoyed his role as a professor and mentor to many residents who went on to lead the pharmacy profession throughout the country.

Paul and Pat lived in Bellevue, Washington, until 1999, when they retired to Surprise, Arizona. Retirement opened the door to one of Paul's great passions: painting. He joined the Sun City Grand Art Club and became a juried artist with the Arizona Artist Alliance and Wickenburg Art Club.

In addition, he was a member of the Prescott Arizona Cooperative Gallery. In Surprise he exhibited his work in the West Valley Art Museum and served on the Arts and Cultural Advisory Board. He created numerous original oil paintings successfully selling his work as both originals and giclée prints, leaving behind a meaningful artistic legacy.

Paul was generous with advice, encouragement, and humor. He had a saying for nearly every occasion, including "don't let the turkeys get you down," "you have to have a duck's back and let the bad stuff just roll right off," "don't look back," "work hard, play hard," "it's a bell-shaped curve," and "it's always up to the man upstairs."

He often reminded his family of the importance of "family first" and "having something to look forward to." His corny jokes and spontaneous dance routines could always bring laughter to those around him. Family was at the center of Paul's life.

He and Pat especially cherished their "Manhattan Corporation," their special time together planning trips and creating memories. Paul loved the water, long walks along the ocean shore, cooking and cultivating recipes that continue to be enjoyed by his family. Paul is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Burkhart; his children, Steven Burkhart, Kathy Lustyk, Nora Newman, and John Burkhart; his grandchildren, Zachary Lustyk, Matthew Burkhart, Caroline Burkhart, Eric Newman, Ana Newman, and Luke Lustyk; and his brothers, Edward Burkhart and Tim Burkhart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Burkhart. Paul will be remembered for his devotion to family, his creativity, his wisdom, and his ability to bring laughter and encouragement to those around him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved the art he created, and the many memories he leaves behind.