John Edward Burch's Obituary
How do you write a few heartfelt lines about a relationship that started at birth? How do you summarize a wonderful man that enjoyed such a rich, full life? Well, Dad, I’ll try….sorry it may be a bit long….
Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1935, he was (admittedly so), a challenging kid. He joined the Air Force at 18 and was assigned to Texas but very quickly was whisked off to the last days of the Korean War. After returning, he went a blind date with my Mom and the rest is history. He is survived by his wife, his two daughters, 5 grandkids and 5 great grandkids. He was a tough Dad that believed in discipline and strict rules, but as the years went by, he softened up and was a bit of a marshmallow when it came to his grand kids and great grandkids.
He was a self-made, hardworking, very tough, intelligent, at times, brilliant, regularly guy! He was always tinkering with something, working in his beautiful yard — what a green thumb he had — or trying to bring back to life a 20 year old item that no longer worked — and he did most of the time! There wasn’t anything that he didn’t believe he could do and he believed everything should be earned and inspired that in all of us that knew him.
He had an amazing career with the government, where he worked on fighter planes and ultimately traveled the world implementing maintenance training programs in Spain, Korea, Kuwait — to name a few. They called him “Mad Dog.” He retired at 55, just like he always said he would, and he and my Mom began galavanting around the world. I can’t even name all the many places they went and enjoyed — London, Paris, the Pyramids, cruised down the Nile, Australia, Cambodia, the Mountains of Switzerland, windmills in the Netherlands, the list goes on and on…. And, don’t leave out the US — they went on fall trips in New England, the Everglades of Florida, Branson, The Great Lakes….
He really enjoyed travel! When I was a kid, we always took summer vacations, did camping, visited the Pacific Northwest, the Grand Canyon, went to Hawaii and Canada. Travel was in his blood. I believe Asia was his favorite. He just couldn’t wait to share that with me and my sister when he and my Mom took us on a trip of a lifetime to China in 2014 for 2 weeks!
Life was a big ride for him! He took it all in and lived it to its fullest! He experienced so much in his 88 years — you’ve earned your wings, Dad — I’m just not sure my heart is ready…
Dad, you are and will forever be my hero. I love you to the moon and back. I will miss you so much. Until we meet again…..
Love, Diane and Sandi
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