Douglas “Doug” Richard Burkard, 76, of Sun City, AZ, son of Richard E. Burkard and Evelyn Burkard (Witnauer), passed away on October 29, 2019. Doug is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeanne Mary Burkard, and their two children: Julie Ann Crawford and Brian Thomas Burkard; daughter-in-law Jennifer Burkard, son-in-law Steve Yosua, and nine grandchildren: Brandon and Paige Crawford; Kyle, Troy and Ryan Burkard; Melissa Crawford Palmer, Melanie Crawford Preston, Ashley and Zack Swartz; and three great grandchildren: Nina Burkard, Anthony and Christian Soto. Doug is also survived by his sister, Eileen Pozda, brothers, Duane Burkard (Pat) and Keith Burkard (Kathleen); sister-in-law Joan Boudreau. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard, sister Kay, and brothers-in-law Dick Pozda and Roy Boudreau.
Doug grew up in Buffalo, New York and was blessed enough to meet, fall in love and marry his high school sweetheart, Jeanne. He is a veteran who served his country for 6 years in the Army National Guard.
He, his wife and two children left Buffalo, New York in July of 1977 and began a new adventure in Arizona where he and his family remained. Doug’s career was in transportation where he spent years driving oil trucks, then moving on to dispatching, then management, and then spending his last working years in truck sales for Kenworth, before retiring in 2007. He was part of the Arizona Motor Transport Association (“AMTA”)(now known as the “ATA”) where he announced and organized annual truck rodeos and went on to become the president of the AMTA. Doug was very active, volunteering at the ballpark for Spring Training, helping at the Elks Lodge and being a big part of his community where he lived at Paradise RV Resort.
Doug was a hard working, honest, “tell it like it is” man that gained the love and respect of so many people. He has left a big and positive impact on the world through the family, friends and people he has touched throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed, but always remembered with joy and respect.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Doug’s life will be held Saturday December 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Community Church at Paradise RV Resort 10950 W. Union Hills Drive, Sun City, AZ 85373
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either The Salvation Army or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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