Sam Burk Jr. was born on January 26, 1932 in Austin, Texas. His parents, Sam Burk Sr., and Verna Burk immigrated from Sweden to settle in Luling, Texas, where Sam was raised. He graduated from Luling High School. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, baseball and basketball. He attended Rice University on a football scholarship and served in the Air Force Reserves. After his sophomore year, he was called up to active duty at Hamilton Air Force Base, where he played on their football team as well. After returning to Rice, he graduated in 1956.
While at Rice, he met his beautiful future bride, Marilyn Ann Webb. They were married and lived in Houston and moved to Corpus Christie. They had three children, Scott, Russell and Elizabeth. In 1969, Sam moved his family to Denver, Colorado. Sam worked in the oil and gas industry as an accountant and CFO for various companies before launching his own accounting business, which he kept for more than 20 years.
Most of those who knew Sam Burk Jr. regarded him as a larger-than-life figure. A shrewd businessman, he was respected in his field of accounting for his acute sense of ethics and decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. He ran a successful accounting firm well into his seventies.
Sam became a Christian in 1972 and dedicated the rest of his life to teaching, learning and ministering. He served on the Southern Baptist Annuity Board for 17 years and was a deacon, teacher and treasurer at his church for many years. Scriptures, study materials and prayer journals occupied every desk, notebook and drawer of his office. Sam and Marilyn changed countless lives through their teaching, outreach and love for the many church members they mentored.
Sam loved football, golf, skiing and a good cigar on the patio with his sons and grandsons. He had an unmatched and often wicked sense of humor that dominated all family gatherings and golf outings. He was a legendary prankster; his antics as a member of The "Rowdy" Rally Club at Rice were remembered long after he graduated.
Sam was adored by his six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He had a soft side that was reserved for them alone. He was never too busy for dance recitals, baseball or basketball games, and there was always room for one of his grandchildren in a foursome. There were unending birthday parties, births, weddings and graduations that Sam wouldn't have missed for the world. When a grandchild had a significant milestone (good or bad), he was the one to take them to lunch and give advice or offer a shoulder to cry on.
Sam was a father who took an active role in shaping his children's lives. Skiing, golfing, going to church and being a part of their interests are the memories that he leaves with Scott, Russell and Liz. He gave them an example to follow as they became husbands, wives, fathers and mothers.
As much as Sam loved his family, he adored his wife, Marilyn. They spent sixty years building a life that were envied by many and respected by all. They accomplished what many people could only aspire to achieve, while laughing and loving at every turn. Sam's last months were full of love and care from Marilyn and the only thing he really cared about was when she could be there with him. A day did not pass without an "I love you" and a kiss.
Grey Bear. Winka. Lech. Swede. Whatever nickname is applied, the force that was Sam Burk will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.
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