Obituary of Peter Lefferts Burgher

Peter L. Burgher, Winslow, Maine 1947-2023

Peter, L. Burgher, PhD, 76, of Winslow, Maine passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023 in his home, surrounded by family, friends, and his cat Squirtle. Peter was born in Rochester, New York in 1947 to John and Anne (Newell) Burgher.

Peter graduated from Lehigh University, majoring in Philosophy and Psychology, and he earned a doctorate degree from the University of Windsor.

Peter was known for his intellect, and for his sensitivity to others’ emotional pain. He was relational and willing to share the challenges he was facing with others. Peter provided trusted guidance as a leader in his community and in his profession. He was an advocate of social justice and admired for his generosity. His friends and family enjoyed his sense of humor.

As a clinical psychologist Dr. Burgher was passionately committed to the mental health needs of the central Maine community by providing the highest level of care. He was a tireless advocate for clients who couldn’t adequately represent their needs in the community. His kindness, compassion, and psychological expertise is a significant loss to the central Maine community.

Peter enjoyed many hobbies: reading, photography, art, gardening, rock walls, public radio, old cars, and model trains. Peter was athletic and fiercely competitive: soccer, bicycling, hiking, golf and especially tennis, a love that lasted his lifetime. He enjoyed being an assistant tennis coach at Winslow High School. Anything Peter became interested in, he pursued passionately.

Peter was an active member of the Universalist-Unitarian (UU) Church of Waterville. He sang with the UU Singers, delivered many Sunday messages, participated on various committees, and served a term as president of the board.  He was a vibrant member of the congregation, forming friendships and helping many members with life’s challenges. Peter was grateful to be able to attend Coffee Hour the day before he died and said he considered the church community as his family.

Peter is survived by his son, Justin Covey Burgher, of Winslow; Lisa Covey; sister, Anne (Burgher) Graham, of Rochester, NY; nieces and nephew Laurie (Graham) Paoli, of Toronto, Ashley Covey and Brandon Covey of Canton, Ohio; cat, Squirtle, and an extensive church family. 

A Celebration of Peter’s Life will take place at 1:00 on January 6, 2024 at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Waterville, 69 Silver St., Waterville, ME. In lieu of flowers and at Peter’s request, memorials may be made to the Waterville Community Dental Center, a nonprofit he’s supported since its inception. https://www.communitydental.org/index.php.

Here is the Zoom link to join Peter Burgher's memorial service:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83362910641?pwd=z9Pje0ixwqFIb9vXWKx5o4MJjD3qcq.1

For those who can not attend in person, remote viewing options are being discussed and more information will be posted when details are secured.  Messages of love and support may be left on his tribute wall.