FLORIDA, Mass. —  Rev. Roy C. Burdick, 92, of the town of Florida, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and award-winning auctioneer, was the highest bidder for a one-way trip to meet our Lord in Heaven on Aug. 12, 2025, at Berkshire Medical Center.

He was born in Florida on May 3, 1933, a son of Howard A. and Veda May Moody Burdick. He attended schools in Florida and graduated from Drury High School in North Adams. Roy joined the Army in 1953. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, traveling across Europe training athletes and coaching boxers before being honorably discharged in 1955.

In the following years, Roy worked as a draftsman at General Electric Co. for over 25 years. Never one to sit still, he also kept busy as an antique dealer, a licensed Realtor, and a public speaker. Roy was awarded the title of first State Bid Calling Champion by the Massachusetts Auctioneers Association in 2003. His unique style earned him the nickname "The Singing Auctioneer." He used his talent to raise money for organizations, including his church. He taught budding auctioneers as well.

A man of many talents, Roy was most proud of his time serving God as both a deacon and later as the pastor of the Florida Baptist Church. Through his ministry, he touched many lives as one of the Singing Evangelists and officiated baptisms, child dedications, funeral services, and weddings (including those of his two eldest granddaughters). If it were possible, Roy would have jumped at the chance to perform his own celebration of life as no one could lighten up a solemn occasion quite like him.

Roy enjoyed painting in his younger days. He liked to exercise regularly, having once owned a gymnasium and he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden. A music lover, he could often be found singing and strumming a guitar. His rendition of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" was legendary.

Remaining to cherish Roy's memory are the love of his life and wife of 71 years, Winifred Ione Roach Burdick, with whom he eloped on Aug. 23, 1953, and two daughters, Suzan Oleson and her husband, Neil, of Drury, and Holly Sumner and her husband, James, of Florida; and one son, Travis Burdick and his wife, Laurie, of Florida. He also leaves five grandchildren, Nathan Sumner, Lacey Cyr (Russell), Gabriel Oleson (Hillary), Rebecca O'Hearn (Nate) and Ashley Burdick; seven great-grandchildren, Denis and Elliana Cyr, Anna and Adylyn O'Hearn, and Zebulon, Thaddeus and  Augustus Oleson; one sister, Gail LaGess and her husband, Harry, of Florida; one brother, Gary Burdick and his wife, Elaine, of Wales, and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind an office full of stacks of papers that he would never let his wife throw away.

He was predeceased by his brother Howard J. Burdick and sister, Faye Burdick.

Like Roy telling one of his stories, this obituary has gone on long enough. It's time to wrap this up with one final sale. Roy Burdick, going, going and Gone.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Roy C. Burdick will be Wednesday, Aug. 20, 202,5 at 11 a.m. at Florida Baptist Church. His burial in the urn made by his son will follow in the Florida Church Cemetery. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St., North Adams, will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Florida Baptist Church or the Florida Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.