Edwin L. Burbank

Sandwich: Lester (Eddie) Burbank, age 87, died peacefully on July 2, 2018. He was born in Cabot, Vermont, to Leo and Marion Burbank. He was one of seven children.

It was in Warren, Vermont, where as a young boy Lester learned how to log mountains, develop ski slopes, and operate heavy machinery with his six siblings under the direction of his father. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Navy, never returning to Vermont to live.

In 1951, Lester married his longtime sweetheart, Connie Fallon. A Navy career took the newlyweds to many areas of the country to live; including Hawaii, Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Bermuda. Lester served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars as a first class gunner’s mate aboard naval ships. His last assignment was on the USS Stoddard. His years of service to our country spanned from 1948 to 1968 active, and ten years on inactive duty.

Upon his retirement in 1968, Lester, Connie and their five children settled in Sandwich where they joined their extended family.

Lester began his second career in 1970 when EL Burbank Trucking Company was established. Those who worked with him knew Lester as a workhorse and a bull, with a work ethic rivaled by none. He was soft spoken, a man of few words, and had a heart of gold.

His fondest days were spent with family and friends, not to mention the many fortunate pets that came into his life over the years. Animals loved his quiet nature and gravitated to him in a special way.

In the years following Connie’s passing in 2012 Lester was fortunate enough to stay in his family home with the help and loving assistance of Gerry Scott and daughter Ann Burbank.

Lester is survived by two daughters; Leslie and husband Rex of Golden, Colorado, Ann and her partner Gerry Scott of Sandwich, his three sons; Glen and his wife Marybeth, Kevin and his wife Margaret, Andrew and his wife Susan, all of Sandwich. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and eight, soon to be nine, great grandchildren.

A joyful celebration and remembrance of Lester’s life will be held at a future time.

Memorial contributions in Edwin Lester Burbank’s name can be made to United States Navy Memorial PO Box 96570Washington, D.C. 20090-6570