Eulogy - A collaboration of memories and thoughts shared by Mom, Susan, Kenny, Brenda, and Grandchildren

Presented by Brenda January 9, 2018

Dad would not be surprised that I'm up here and not Susan or Kenny.  As kids, they always sent me to ask Mom and Dad for ice cream or if we could watch the Walt Disney movie on TV Sunday nights...   They knew that Dad had a soft spot for his "Baby Snook's" and chances were good we'd get the treat I asked for.   Mom would always make us orange juice slushes and popcorn for the movie.

Before, and since Dad has passed, we've heard that he was looked up to by many people as a father figure.  It doesn't surprise us because Dad was a man to be looked up to.  He was a man of his word and wise beyond his years.  He loved sharing his knowledge and giving advice - and he  was a great communicator, a great listener, and he truly wanted to hear others peoples stories.  Another nugget he told me was to stop talking and listen to what other people said because "you already know everything there is to know about you and you might learn something new." 

Kenny recalled a time, when he was a teenager, and Dad came to him and asked what was troubling him.  Kenny asked what would make Dad think something was wrong, to which Dad said he could sense it, Dad said you have to let it out and not keep it bottled up.  Dad knew his kids. 

Of course this same ability to sense things didn't work out so well in Susan's favor on one particular occasion when a  teenager.  Dad found out she had been ditching school.  He didn't ground her or take away privileges though... He told her she was the oldest and should be setting the example for her brother and sister.  These words stung more than any punishment could have because Susan knew this is how Dad lived his life - being a leader and setting the example for others. 

Whenever I did something wrong Dad would ask me who's idea it was, and if it were mine, I wouldn't be in as much trouble.  Dad would tell me he raised leaders - not followers.

Dad worked hard his entire life, seldom missing a day of work, and he provided us with a comfortable life. From the beginning, Dad was a dependable and responsible man.

Mom recalled when Dad was around seventeen and bought his first car - a '49 Ford.  Dad had to make monthly payments, and the woman Dad bought it from, later told Grandma Burger she was so impressed that Dad never missed a payment. 

Dad taught us kids a strong work ethic.  In fact, shortly after graduating, Susan began working a physically demanding job were she was on call her days off.  Susan recalls lazily laying in bed one of those glorious days off, the phone ringing, and Dad saying "yes, Susan will be right in!" With a silent groan, Susan got up, and headed to work. 

We were not all the morning person Dad was.  We often woke to Dad walking down the hall loudly saying one his  proclamations, such as "awake, awake, the dawn is near, the air is filled with atmosphere!" as well as other sayings, such as "I went to the river, thought I might drown, saw a good  looking brunette and couldn't go down."  My daughter, Brittany doesn't care that I have carried on that tradition!

Dad had us doing something as a family most every weekend.   If we didn't go camping, fishing, or riding horses - we were headed to Fresno to visit our grandparents and aunts and uncles.  Us kids loved camping and all Dad had to say was"crank up the camper jacks, kids", and we went into action.  Dad would load the camper onto the pickup, Mom would stock the camper with food, and we'd be off on our next adventure. 

Dad loved hunting and fishing and spent every chance he had doing so. he shared it with us kids and grandkids  Kenny recalled a time when he was around seven or eight when Dad and Grandpa Burger were getting ready to go fishing.  He wanted to go so badly - but they left without him.  When Grandma Burger saw that he was upset and crying, she told him "next time they're getting ready to go, you go get into that car!" And he did!  From then on he was always hunting and fishing with Dad.  When Kenny's son, Brent, was old enough, they began taking him too.  Dad fished and hunted too many times to count with mom, his son, son-in-laws, and grandchildren.

One of his last hunting trips was with his grandson, Brannon and his wife Amber.  He shared old hunting stories, tactics for bagging a big one, among other things.  Dad never missed an opportunity to give praise when due, and on this trip, told Brannon how proud he was of him for carrying on the family tradition of opening his own business. Dad loved to hear when we were seceding. 

That's what Dad did - he gave praise for a job well done.  His grandson, Brent, recalled how at Dad's shop, he had a window at his desk where he could see his guys working, and they could see him.  Brent says a few times a day Dad would go out into the shop and ask his employees how they were doing, how their family was, and how the car they were working on was coming along.  He'd give guidance on techniques to try if they were having difficulties, and was always encouraging and gave praise for the work they did.

Dad never met a stranger.  Talking to others came easy to him - and he had a way about him that made it easy for others to talk to him.  He was down to earth and very modest.  He didn't brag about what he had - but you sure could tell he was proud of his children and grandchildren for their accomplishments.  He was proud Kenny's business was successful, that Susan worked her way up into leadership roles at the IRS, and that I am a successful Realtor.

Dad certainly gave us health scares on a few occasions which reinforced just how precious time is with our loved ones.  On these occasions the troops rallied and one of us was with Dad 24 hours every day while he was in the hospital.  We never left his side.  Christina, his granddaughter, would call them "slumber parties with Grandpa", because it was often her who would spent nights with him.  She said Dad would talk her leg off asking her who she was dating, how her job was going, and so many other things. He really cared and wanted to know. 

We all witnessed how Dad joked with the nurses and you could tell they enjoyed taking care of him.  I can remember a nurse telling Dad he must have done something right to have family that loved him so much that they never left his side - Dad beamed with pride.

The last time Dad was released from the hospital, his granddaughter, Brittany move in for a while with Mom and Dad until things got back to normal.  She'd give him his medications, and although she'd never done so before, gave him his insulin injections.  Dad didn't like being poked and prodded, however, apparently Brittany did a good job.  In his usual way of giving praise for a job well done, Dad told her she gave the best shots he'd ever been given!  

One might think the visits and stays in the hospital were emotionally the hardest of times for us, and they were hard, but when we think back, we realize just how special those moments with Dad were.

For Father's Day one year, Susan framed and gave Dad a picture of him holding her, his little Susie, on that '49 Ford.  Looking at that picture, Dad jokingly told Mom he could have been a movie star.  After that Mom started teasing Dad by calling him "Mr Hollywood." Mom always told Dad how handsome he was... To which he replied she was beautiful and he'd gotten the better side of that deal.

Mom was the love of Dad's life and he left us knowing we will take good care of his "Toots."

Grandpa, I completely lucked out when I got you as a grandfather. You were one heck of an example of what a man should be. I looked up to you and your work ethic, and that created a drive within me to always do my best to excel at everything I set my mind to. I wanted you to be proud, and I think you were. It would make me so happy to see the look on your face when we would be chatting about my career and the goings on in my life. I'm thankful you were able to see me have children and watch them grow into little men. And, it meant the world to me when you would make comments of what amazing little men they were, and how handsome and well behaved they were. 

Grandpa, you are deeply missed. But, I know Heaven must be so amazing and you will be waiting for all us to join you one day. Enjoy all that chocolate milk and those snickerdoodle cookies. Until I see you again Grandpa.... I love you!

  Grandpa you were always a rock in our family. If anyone had a problem they could always go to you for advice. Thank you for showing me how to be driven and successful in everything that I attempt. You taught me to be a man of my word and to always live up to it. Thank you for all the hunting and fishing trips and all the great memories I will hold dear to my heart. I will continue to live my life with the morals and ethics that you instilled in me at a young age. I'll Always Love You and Grandma.

Dad, I was blessed to have you as my father.  You sheltered, loved, and nurtured me.  You worked hard to clothe and feed all of us and provide us with our needs.  

Dad, you wanted me to do well in life and guided me with good advice.  I can remember, as a child, sitting at your feet as you quizzed me on each week's school spelling words.  When in highschool, I remember you telling me I needed to take a typing class.  You must have known typing would be a beneficial skill and to this day I'm glad I took your advice.  I remember how you always wanted to know how my career was going and how you shared your pride in my accomplishments. Although I continued to take your advice as an adult, you taught me a life lesson I will carry the remainder of my days - how to make sound and intelligent decisions on my own.

Thank you, for the memories of adventures I have of growing up; camping, fishing, road trips, and visits with family.  Thank you for passing on to my children your respect and love of family and your drive for success.

Dad, I will always be proud of you - for how you lived your life, and how you led our family.  I will always be proud of how you and Mom remained committed to each other in love and life.  Rest easy, Dad, in the knowledge I will forever take care of your one true love, Sugar Puddin'.  Love you forever and ever, Dad!  Your daughter, Susan

So very sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.

Earl was a good Boss and friend. Earl made people around him comfortable, Earl has a charisma and smile that  made  being around him enjoyable a Good listener when I would complain or just run something by him. Did not always agree with his advice but MOST of the time,after some time went by he was right. 

Watching the video pictures on Facebook I had to laugh out loud when I saw the picture of the jackal and Earl. I was 18 years old when I first started working for Nagares never saw a jackal in my life. Earl being this great hunter convince me that it was real. Lol. I go around for some time Telling friends about it. ( Only teenage friends cuz I'm 18). Until my dad hears me telling the story to my friends. Well, Earl got me good on that one. I was harassed in a good way for quite some time. 

You will be missed Boss

Awe I loved looking at all the pictures. What an amazing life he lived. I didn't know Earl very well but if his children and grandchildren are any reflection of the man he was I know he must have been incredible!!! 
Praying God will comfort all of you during this difficult time. 
We love you all, 
Rich, Jen, Isaac, Abby, and Lexi

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11

Earl we will miss your smile and laughter. We had so much fun on our fishing trips. RIP my good friend.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 2 15,16

OBITUARY

Earl William Burger

June 27, 1937 – January 2, 2018

Fresno Memorial Gardens

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