Leon Burt
Leon Burt
1915-2011
He was the ultimate peeper, shaker and rattler of the family. For years, each Christmas would find him under the Christmas tree with his children and then his grandchildren as he rattled and shook the wrapped gifts. Trying to guess what lay inside each package was a source of great joy for those who joined in the fun and great consternation for those who hoped the gift would not be guessed until it could be opened on Christmas morning. It is the fond memories like these we hold dear as we celebrate the life of Leon Burt, who passed away at the age of 96 on May 6, 2011. His warrior spirit fought to the end, but his physical body was too tired to endure.
Leon was born on February 3, 1915 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Jessie Thorpe Burt and Henry Burt. He was the fourth of seven children.
While Leon was still an infant, his family moved from Idaho Falls to a farm his parents purchased in Groveland, Idaho. Hard economic times caused the family to lose the farm. When he was in the third grade they moved from Groveland to Blackfoot, Idaho. Being freckled faced with red hair and very shy and self-conscious, he immediately became the target for a bunch of bullies. He figured every way possible to be late getting out of school, including volunteering to clean the chalkboards. Eventually he had to "face the music.” The gang waited for him and escorted him to a comer of the school grounds where they formed a big circle. A sudden rush of adrenaline and a quick right jab to one bully's nose quickly ended the fight. Thereafter, Leon was fully accepted in the new school and had lots of friends.
A gifted athlete, Leon excelled in track, football and basketball and later in life played golf with good friends at least once a week. To play golf with Leon was a unique experience. If he lost a ball in the water, he would not give up until he found HIS ball even though it would have been simpler and faster to toss any ball he found out of the water and continue play. The family still chuckles at the image of him tossing ball after ball out of the water until he found his own.
Leon was blessed with an amazing, lilting tenor voice. He sang his first solo when he was in the second grade. Later in school he studied voice and always managed to capture the tenor lead in various operettas and shows. He sang with a professional chorus in Los Angeles and appeared with the Andrews Sisters on the national California Hour program. His most cherished experience was that of singing with the nationally renowned Boise Elks Gleemen.
From the time he was eight years old, he always had a part time job. For seven years he delivered papers by riding his horse to each customer's house. His trusty dog faithfully trotted alongside. During high school, he also worked part-time in a clothing store. Summers found him in West Yellowstone. It was there he befriended a huge black bear and they became great pals. He named the bear "Pat" and each summer they re-established their friendship. It was in West Yellowstone where he met a petite, brown-eyed school teacher from Montana who stole his heart. Hazel and he were married in Los Angeles On July 2, 1939. They were blessed with two children, Boe and Bonnie.
In October, 1942, the small family moved to Idaho. Leon was an engineer with the telephone company in Boise for thirty-six years before retiring in 1977. After retirement, Leon and Hazel had the opportunity to travel the world. In 2007 they moved to Eugene, Oregon to be near their family.
There was nothing Leon could not do well. In addition to his other talents, he was a great artist. He painted in oils, designed and built his own lawn furniture and could fix anything that was broken. He loved hunting and fishing with friends and his father-in-law in Montana. A believer that "anything worth doing is worth doing well;” he provided an excellent example for his family to follow. No matter how tough life got, he never complained. He was a man of great faith with a huge heart and gentle spirit. One of his greatest pleasures was singing in his church choir. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel, son, Boe and grandson, Burt. He is survived by his brother, LaRoy, of Whidbey Island, WA; his daughter, Bonnie Yorges, of Eugene; grandchildren, Chris Yorges (Cheryl) of Eugene, Julie Bjurling of Corvallis, OR, and Heather Tift of St. Helens, OR; five great-grandchildren, Whitney, Ashley, Nicki, Steven and Alissa; and nieces and nephews in Idaho, Utah, Arizona and California.
He will be laid to rest in his beloved Boise on Friday, May 13, 2011. We invite those who would like to say goodbye to Leon to join us at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel on Friday, May 13th between 9:00 and 10:15 a.m. for a viewing Graveside services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Dry Creek Cemetery.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leon Burt, please visit our flower store.
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