Carl Bjurlin

Carl was born and raised in Fredonia, New York. From an early age he was fascinated by anything that could take him places. Perhaps starting with a beloved model trainset received as a young child, it quickly evolved to full-sized cars, boats, and planes. When it mattered most, there is no one you would rather have at the wheel, yoke, or tiller, unless you were racing against him.

Carl’s love for sailing began in his childhood in a foam Kool Sea Snark. He took that love to the next level, mastering racing and winning many trophies. In 2001, he took his passion for racing and adventure further by training as crew for the BT Global Challenge, a round-the-world yacht race. Carl was a long-time member of the Dunkirk Yacht Club, holding many leadership positions, including Commodore and Dock Master. His dedication to, and love for, the Club was evident to all who knew him.

Carl endured health challenges as a child that instilled a steely determination to persevere. Adulthood was also not without its challenges. Despite these obstacles, or perhaps because of them, he participated in several century bike rides, whitewater kayaked dozens of rapids with his closest friends, hiked the Grand Canyon multiple times, paddled eleven days down the Rio Grande, took countless trips to the Caribbean, and sailed every chance he got. Carl became a licensed pilot in 2000 and later joined in partnership to own and fly a 1946 Piper Cub. His license plate read “Go Places”, and he did.

His career took many turns, starting in Quality Control at three local manufacturers. His knack for technology led him to grow into the Director of Information Technology at Cliffstar. His knowledge, inherent leadership skills and his kind, supportive nature garnered him great respect from both his team and customers. His learning to fly opened a new door for him at Dunkirk Aviation, now Chautauqua Aircraft Sales, ultimately becoming Vice President. Professionally, this is where Carl truly excelled. His expertise in IT and extraordinary people skills quickly led to him becoming a force in general aviation sales and management, not just locally but nationally and internationally. His clients usually became repeat customers as well as lifelong friends. Through his leadership, Carl oversaw the transfer of Chautauqua Aircraft to Jamestown, where it grew exponentially. Upon request of the Mayor of Dunkirk, he produced a flawless airshow above the shoreline of the city two years running, 2016 and 2017.

Carl’s life truly began when he met Donna racing sailboats at DYC. He proposed at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and they married soon after. Carl and Donna travelled and sailed, sailed, sailed. They both retired in the Spring of 2023 to create the life they didn’t need a vacation from.

Carl is survived by his soulmate and wife, Donna Bjurlin, parents Sharon (Bill) Bartoo and Marvin (Tina Rausa) Bjurlin, 3 brothers Curt (Alex Wells) Bjurlin, Wes (Crissy) Bartoo, and Tim (Colleen) Benton, 3 nephews, countless friends, and his cherished cat, Merlin.

A summertime celebration of life will be announced later. On-line condolences can be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wings Flights of Hope (www.wingsflight.org) based in Orchard Park, NY, one of Carl’s favorite charitable organizations.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON- TIMKO Funeral Home.