Ronald E Burke

Ronald E. Burke 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home in Gig Harbor on May 27, 2013, Ron was born January 18, 1938 in Seattle WA to David and Grace Burke. He graduated from Tenino High School in 1956. He worked at Fisher flour Mill in Seattle in 1957; he then went into the United States Army from 1958-1960. Dad met and married our mother Lois in Saulte Ste. Marie, MI, they moved to Utah where he worked as an electrician at the International Smelting & Refining Co. in Tooele, Utah. The family moved back to Seattle in 1965 where Ron worked at Bethlehem Steel Co. Dad moved us all to Belfair to give his children a better life and he started his 28 year career at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard retiring in 2000. During his years in Belfair he and his family operated two Christmas Trees lots in the Ballard area; he enjoyed connecting with customers and sharing his knowledge of trees with them.

Ron served as a volunteer Firefighter for many years in the Allyn and Victor area, serving as Battalion Chief before retiring.

He is survived by his companion of 21 years and the “love of his life” Viva Houpt and her son David (Carol) Houpt. His daughters Debbie McLean (Mike), Lori Yemm (James), and Brenda Chisholm (Wayne). Grand Children Milissa Marquez, Dawn Mitchell, Neal Burke, Christa Nations and Ike Marquez, 10 great grandchildren, his favorite fishing buddies Matt Kennedy and Jimmy McLean and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman or anything else that would get him outside and in the woods; he had many stories to tell of his adventures with his buddies at deer and elk camp. Dad also loved traveling both across the states and to many countries, he was a man that loved to get off the beaten path and explore the back roads.

He was preceded in death by his parents, our mother Lois Burke and his son Donald Burke; we are comforted to know they are all together again.

A private Family interment will be held at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater WA on June 6th.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held on June 22, 2013 at 2pm at his home in Gig Harbor, WA. Ron wanted us to have a “party” and get together laugh and tell stories while enjoying each other. The address is : 3811 154th St. Court N.W., Gig Harbor 98332. IF you have any questions please call one of the family members.

Ron would like memorial donations to be made to Group Health Hospice services in Tacoma WA. The family would like to thank them also for the care and compassion they showed both our father and us during this difficult time.

As Dad would say “Don’t worry about the mule going blind just load the wagon”