John was born April 27th, 1927 in Lookout, Washington to his parents John Lawrence Burk Sr. and Verdie Thelma Haney. John, the oldest of three, has been preceded by this two younger brothers Roy Dale and Robert Wallace, Bobby). They attended James John School in St. Johns Oregon.
John started out life as a farmer in the Willamette Valley and logger. Prior to serving in the US Army for four years he worked at the Swan Island Ship Yards.
After the Army John married his wife Marianne (Tomasi) and had six children. John Lawrence Burk III, Jim Louis Burk, Jerry Leonard Burk, Jeff Lino Burk, Mary Jo (Burk) McGauvran and Jay LeRoy Burk.
While rearing his six children John worked as a logger in the woods, farmed in Helvetia, Oregon and raised his prized Swedish Red Polled Hereford cows. For 33 years John worked as a Long Shoreman and Walking Boss for the I.L.W.U. at the Portland docks. Even after a long day at work, John at Christmas, on the farm in Helvetia loved playing Santa Claus for all his grandchildren because family was very important to him. When John retired he and his wife Marianne moved to Unity Oregon, one of John's favorite places to be. Unity Oregon was where John as a young man, learned to hunt for deer and fish. John went on to teach his children and their children these skills. Every vacation was hunting the hills and fishing the Unity Reservoir, John's favorite memories
were here.
During John's life he and his wife Marianne joined bowling leagues, school events and card parties. April 10th, 1992 they joined the McEwen Masonic Lodge and Star Chapter, Lodge #125, in Sumpter Oregon and Eastern Star Alpine Chapter 82. John went on to join the Al Kada Shriners, Wilsonville Oregon where he was a lifetime member.
John with his wife started in Forest Grove Oregon and settled in Cornelius Oregon and on September 6th, 2014 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary surrounded by their loving family and friends.
John Lawrence Burk Jr. is survived by his wife Marianne (Tomasi) Burk, children Jim Burk married to Joy, Jerry Burk, Jeff Burk married to Janet, Mary Jo Burk) McGauvran married to Ron and Jay Burk married to Julie. At this time John has 24 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
John's ashes will be entombed December 1, 2014, at 11 am at the Skyline Memorial Gardens, Terrace of Serenity and all will be welcome to attend. The celebration of Life will be April 26th 20l5 at 2:00 at the Skyline Memorial Gardens, Terrace of Serenity, with the Army present and all will be welcome to attend. In Lieu of flowers please donate to Care Partners of Hospice in John's memory, they were fabulous.
Some of my favorite times with my father were splitting wood and falling trees. From clearing the farm in Helvetia to the Unity property, working at my father's side is very memorable for me. My father taught me to hunt and fish and we spent many great times in the hunting camps enjoying the trips.
-Your loving son, Jim
My father was a loving and forgiving dad. Working on the farm, hay rides and hunting
were the best times of my life.
-Your loving son, Jerry
The things I will remember always about my Dad will be my first hunting trip and Labor Day at the Wilson River swimming. There is a lifetime of memories with my dad even though at times we clashed; I always knew I was loved. Dad passed on to me his work ethics. He worked hard for his family and his future. I will miss him greatly, Love you Dad.
-Love Jeff
My father made me feel like a princess! From loading the bullets my family used at hunting or tying the fishing lures we used to fish, just being with him was a quiet solitude that was comfortable for him and I. My father taught me a work ethic that I am so very grateful for as I go through life. You my father were a true gentleman, I will miss you in my life and I can't wait to see you again.
-Love Sissy
I loved my father and I am grateful I had so many years with him. I lead my life just like my father taught me. My memories are very dear to me and will be forever. I will see you again dad.
-Your loving son, Jay
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