January 6, 1932 - May 9, 2016.  Each family function had a familiar sight, one which produced so much warmth and good will it instantly made one at “at home,” and signaled to all in attendance that love was the pervasive theme of any get-together he was present. The carefully combed quaff of white hair, shining blue-gray eyes, and warm smile which let everyone in sight know they were welcome and tenderly appreciated. Known as “Grandpa Don,” this man helped make it all possible.
 

Big, meaty, strong hands held the littlest family member among them, combined with a cheerful cackle which echoed against the sunny California horizon. His sunny face witnessed many trials throughout his life, from the Boys Town in Omaha – all alone – to the Murrietta valley. Yet each wrinkle, each sun spot, was merely a reminder of intensely heart-warming memories and beheld decades of love for those gathered around him.
 

Donald “Don” Joseph Burk was born on January 6, 1932 in Newry, Pennsylvania, and passed away May 9, 2016. Don was the second oldest of eleven children. At fifteen years old, Don’s chance 1947 meeting with Father Flynn allowed him the opportunity to attend Boys Town (Omaha, Nebraska), and ultimately turn his life around. Boys Town made an indelible impression on Don as a young man, and prepared him for a bright future as an incredible father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. After graduating Boys Town on June 11, 1950 Don spent time as a crane operator for Penn Railroad, and soon after joined the U.S. Army and served his country for a brief period from 1952-1954.
 

Clothed in a white tuxedo and matched by a resplendent bride in an equally elegant lace gown, Don married Wanda Ivis Schroder in September 1955, then soon after completed their family with the births of Cynthia (Burk) Burns (1956), Debbie Burk (1958), Terry Burk (1963), Shari (Burk) Jacobs (1965), and Brian Burk (1967). The young couple relocated to Whittier, California in the early 1960s, where for over 35 years Don worked in the aerospace industry and retired from Boeing in Anaheim, California in 1998.
 

Don loved classic cars such as his 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet, spending time with his family and dog “Ginger,” and remained an active Boys Town alumnus throughout the rest of his life. Although he was preceded in death by his wife of forty-two years and one great-grandchild, and survived by five children, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, he is forever in our hearts. No matter how many days pass from the last time we held his hand, or heard his laugh, we can never forget his impression on our lives, and the way he touched the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him. Tender memories encased in lumbering tears stream down our cheeks, but we will never forget all that Don did for each of our lives and the legacy he left for us all.

Click here to view a video tribute to Don on YouTube.
 

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Don’s memory to Boys Town of California at 2223 E. Wellington Avenue, Santa Anna, CA 92701.