Carl H. Burnett

Carl, 78, was a native of San Diego and graduated from Grossmont High School in 1952. He lived with his grandmother in Alpine during his early years. His mother and step-father were transferred to New Orleans and Carl lived there during WWII. In 1945 his step-father got a government job in Fairbanks, Alaska. During his 4 years in Alaska, Carl bought and sold bicycles, starting his career very early. After deciding at 16 years old that Alaska was just too cold for him, Carl decided to live with his grandmother again who now lived in La Mesa. He attended Grossmont High School and traded in his Wizzer Motorbike for his first car in 1948. It was a 1929 Model A Roadster and his love for antique Ford cars began.

Carl worked for the Jimmy Hoffa Teamster's Union from 1949 to 1963. He then started Antique Automotive on Poplar Street, where he was self-employed as an antique car and parts dealer until he retired in 1983. In retirement he collected antique "Toys, Trains, and Things". He was an active charter member of the Early Ford V-8 Club which began in 1969 and held some great Christmas parties for the club at his Antique Automotive shop. General meetings were also held there for many years. He was a member of the Prowlers Club for several decades, dating back to 1952. He held memberships in the national toy and train clubs, Toy Train Operating Society, and Train Collector's Association, as well as a local membership in the All Gauge Toy Train Association since 1977. He treasured his friendships throughout these organizations and they all brought him great pleasure over the years.

Carl played golf for many years and continued to enjoy following the game with the pros. He also loved watching NASCAR races. But his favorite past-times were cruising around with his beloved companion, Marcia, in his 1936 blue Ford Roadster "Baby", and playing with his Lionel trains.

Carl is survived by his two daughters Debbie Burnett of San Diego, and Sandy Boister of Athens, Texas; son-in-law Rich Boister and two beautiful granddaughters, Rebecca Boister, 13 and Melissa Boister, 12, who brought such joy to his life; his beloved companion Marcia McCulloch of San Diego, who shared life, love, and much happiness with him for the past 10 years; his sister Sue Hardenbrook and 3 nephews of Fairbanks, Alaska; and dozens of life-long friends.

The family is grateful to the wonderful staff at Lakeview Home, for the highly competent, loving care Carl received from them during his last few days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharp Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1750, La Mesa, CA 91944, in memory of Carl Burnett.

The public viewing will be held on Friday, March 25, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in the Little Chapel of the Roses, in Bonita, CA. The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. also at the Little Chapel of the Roses. Reception following burial. Classic cars are welcome.