Walter Herman Burdick

Walter H. Burdick Obituary Walter H. Burdick, 87, passed quietly at his home in Twin Falls, Idaho on Friday, June 7, 2013 after a brief illness. Born February 20, 1926 to Lucian and Myrtie (Davis) Burdick in Jerome, Idaho, he grew up and attended school in Jerome. Upon graduation from Jerome High School, Walt enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in Europe during World War II. Honorably discharged at the end of the war, he returned to Idaho and began his college studies at Idaho State University. He completed his studies at the University of Denver, and after graduating he joined his uncle, Thurman C. Davis, in the farm equipment business in Shiloh, New Jersey. In 1950 Walt married Donna Albertson at the Deerfield Presbyterian Church in Deerfield, New Jersey, and over the next nine years he and Donna had four sons. In 1966 the business was sold and he and the family returned to the Magic Valley, Idaho (Twin Falls), where he eventually became a partner in the commodities firm Sinclair & Company. After enjoying many rewarding years as a commodities broker and partner in the firm, Walt and Donna retired in 1988 and spent the next several years traveling the United States in their motor home. Their travels also included many trips overseas, and Walt fulfilled his childhood dream of walking on the Great Wall of China. He and Donna eventually settled into a routine of spending summers at their home in Twin Falls and winters at their Yuma, Arizona residence. Always the consummate salesman, Walt had a gift of being able to put those around him at ease. Quick with a smile or a story, he enjoyed the company of family and friends and could be found on the golf course 2-3 days each week right up to his passing. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Donna (Albertson) Burdick of Twin Falls, Idaho, four sons, Doug Burdick of Detroit Michigan, Don Burdick (Rebecca Wells) of Mercer Island, Washington, John Burdick of Seattle, Washington and Jeff Burdick (Pat) of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, as well as 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Tom Burdick, daughter-in-law Mary Katherine (Don) Burdick, and sister Ann Kluckhohn. Services will be held June 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to PATH a global health organization, Children's Vaccination Program, P.O. Box 900922, Seattle, WA 98109.