Lester W. Burkett

The Herald (Everett), 11/4/2009

Title: The Herald All issues (Everett, Snohomish County, Washington)
Publication: Name: All issues;

Lester W. Burkett passed away peacefully October 31, 2009 in Edmonds, WA.  He was born May 18, 1924 in Yakima, WA to Bill and Bessie (Teagarden) Burkett.

The youngest of four children, Les learned the value of hard work at an early age working in the orchards, delivering papers, and doing whatever odd jobs he could to help the family.

Immediately after his schooling, Less went to work for the Corps of Engineers.  This providential move led him to the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Dorothy Strom.  They met at the Corps offices in Seattle, were married in 1944, and settled down to a life with their many Corps friends and the raising of their children, Steve and Connie.  Les' career also included 20 years with the Bureau of Reclamation in E. Washington.  He was a Gold star member of Masonic Lodge 173, Pasco.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Della Duncan and Ruby McLean; and brother, Ken.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Strom) Burkett; son Steve (Roberta); daughter, Connie; grandchildren, Shawna (Nick) Matthews, Courtney (John) Llamas, Carla (JJ) Whitehurst, Dan Hake; and great grandchildren, Amanda, Marcus, Jacob, Samantha, Andrew and Alex.

Lester loved and RV'ing with his friends, watching the Mariners and Seahawks with his fellow 12th fan, daughter, Connie, and hunting and fishing with his son, Steve.

Les was an honest man who was generous and loyal to family and friends.  We will miss him.

A celebration of life will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 7 at Dennis and Susanne Olson's home, 12525 Wagner Rd., Monroe.  All are welcome.

Remembrances may be made to Children's Orthopedic.

Published in The Herald (Everett) on 11/4/2009

Obituary reproduced courtesy of The Daily Herald.