David Sander Burgess

David Sander Burgess, born on February 3, 1947, in Sunnyside, WA, departed from this world on February 16, 2024, in Olympia, WA. He was 77 years old, a resident of Olympia, WA for 30 years, a lifelong Washington state resident and a diehard fan of the Seattle Mariners.

David's journey through life was marked by profound dedication, service, and compassion. He attended Pullman High School, graduating in 1965. Following his graduation, he answered the call to serve his country and was inducted into the United States Air Force in October 1965. David completed two tours of duty with honor, being discharged in July 1976.

Driven by a deep commitment to community and learning, David pursued higher education at Washington State University in Pullman. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology/social work, igniting his passion for working with children.

David's heart led him to volunteer for the Whitman County Juvenile Department, where his dedication and service flourished when he was hired as a Juvenile Probation Officer. He helped execute a transformative community service program, where youth served hours of public service by preparing and planting gardens for senior citizens.

In 1982, David transitioned to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, embarking on a journey to protect and support vulnerable children. His compassionate spirit guided his work at Child Protective Services in Aberdeen, WA, until 1988. While in Aberdeen, he volunteered as a hunter's education instructor teaching gun and safety courses, as well as, an active member in the 7 River Mountain Men muzzleloader community. He later relocated to Olympia, where he eventually retired as a Computer Information Systems Specialist with the State of Washington in 2007.

Throughout his retirement, David indulged in his passions, finding solace in crafting, particularly beading, and delving into the depths of his family genealogy. He cherished his time doing water aerobics at Discover Aquatics & Swim School.

David's kindness knew no bounds, and his love touched the lives of many. He is survived by his brother, Richard Burgess; his sister, Dorothy Spain; his son-in-law and daughter, Ulysses and Cynthia Aburto; his son, Kenneth Burgess, and five grandchildren, Ulysses Aburto, Magdalena Aburto, Jeremiah Burgess, Elijah Burgess, and Joshua Burgess. David was predeceased by both parents Roy W. Burgess and M. Adelaide Burgess, sisters Helen Lindhorst and Kathryn Cox, and son Michael W. Burgess.

In his own written words, David requested there be no memorial service, and instead, he wrote "simply drive up the 101 highway along the Olympic Peninsula and throw my ashes to the wind."

David's legacy of love, service, and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Boys Town of America or the Special Olympics, both of which he donated to through out his life.