Nov. 11, 1931~ March 22, 2021
Donald Fife Burt, 89, peacefully returned to his heavenly home on March 22, 2021, surrounded by love.
Don was the fourth of five children in the family of Thomas and Teressa Burt. He was especially fond of his childhood home of Park City, which he remembered as a small mining community nestled in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. He often referred to Park City as the best town to grow up in. He loved his family and the lifelong friends he made there. He often said they did not have much, but neither did anyone else. Everyone was the same, so they didn't know they were poor.
Don attended and graduated from Utah State University where he joined the Air Force ROTC, receiving a commission and the rank of second lieutenant. During his time at Utah State University, he began dating his only steady girl, Marjorie Bowden. He proposed to her at a sweethearts' dance in Park City on February 14th, 1954. Don and Marjorie were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 2, 1954.
Don's military service would take his young family around the country, living in many states to fill various assignments for the Air Force. The family enjoyed many adventures while Don was enlisted. Once he completed his enlistment, Don moved his family back to Utah where he took a position with the Bureau of Land Management, a job he would enjoy for over 40 years. He loved his job and the people he had the opportunity to associate with during his career.
Don had a great love of both the majestic and the simple beauties found outdoors, from the mountains and the ranges to the flowers, songbirds, and sunsets. His career working outdoors was a perfect fit. He took great pride in his home and his yard, especially his flower gardens.
Don also had a special love for little children, who all melted his heart. They felt his love, and he shared some of the simple pleasures of life with them. He loved to see them smile.
Don loved and took great pride in his adopted hometown of Fillmore, where he reared his children and where he nurtured lifelong friendships through his work and his church service as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After Don retired, he spent many years traveling with Marjorie by his side. His life was truly enriched by the many trips they took with Great Basin Tours based out of Delta, Utah. He made many cherished friends from west Millard County who would travel with him during these wonderful trips.
He faithfully attended and enjoyed his time at the Fillmore seniors center, where he shared hours of fun and fulfillment with many of his closest friends.
Don's successes in life can be measured by his most cherished titles: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He truly loved his wife and selflessly served all of his children throughout his life, even during the last tender hours we spent with him. All of his grandchildren have given Grandpa fulfillment, happiness and a great sense of pride. He always had the time and the interest to build treasured relationships with each of them. The great-grandchildren have made him smile and he was extremely proud of each of them and loved them all dearly. He has motivated, inspired, and encouraged all of his children and grandchildren as only a wise father can. Don has been the steady, kind, and consistent guiding influence in all of our family's lives and we will dearly miss our best friend. The greatest legacy he leaves behind is his love for all of us.
Don is preceded in death by his sweetheart wife, Marjorie (Bowden); his father Thomas and his mother Teressa; his sister Kathaleen; brother Dean; brother Doug and brother Wayne. Don is survived by his son Eddie; son Bruce; daughter Teressa (Rich) Hogan; son Darcy (Heather); daughter Cheree (Jason) Caldwell; twelve grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Don's family would like to sincerely thank all of the gracious friends he has in the community of Fillmore, who have been so kind and loving to him over the many years he has called Fillmore home--especially over the past five years as he has been on his own. Your friendship, service, and true acts of kindness have enriched and blessed Don's life. Our families' lives have eternally been shaped by the traditions, relationships and life lessons taught in the home our father provided, in the community we all love, and the place we call home.
A funeral celebrating Don's life will be held Saturday April 10, 2021 at 1 p.m. in the Fillmore 1st/4th Ward Chapel with a visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow the service in the Fillmore City Cemetery. The funeral, viewing, and interment are open to the public. Online condolences and Zoom live link at rasmussenmortuary.com
