Karl grew up in Los Angeles and Denver, joining the US Army after high school. Selected for entry on academic merit, he graduated USMA West Point in Class of 1955 as a Second Lieutenant. He served at this rank for four years in the 82nd Airborne. Following his honourable discharge from the US Army, he undertook graduate studies in Physics at UC Berkeley, obtaining his Ph.D.
Following stints working for NASA, private industry, and as faculty as several universities, he and his second family emigrated to British Columbia, settling on remote farm in the Kootenays. After nearly four decades there, declining health led he and his wife to relocate to Victoria, BC where he resided until his demise. Karl retained a lifelong keen interest in theoretical physics, particularly quantum mechanics which he felt had unrecognized capacity to link electrostatics with gravitation.
He is predeceased by his parents Max and Gertrude Burnstein; son (by first marriage) Matthew; and wife Marion Burnstein.
He is survived by his son (by first marriage) Jerome and his children; and son (by second marriage) John.
Pursuant to his wishes, no public ceremony will be held.
