John Burdick

John Jackson “Jack” Burdick was born to Donald and Claire (Jackson) Burdick in Longview on April 17, 1946. He died on January 4, 2016 at his home in Cathlamet.

He grew up in Cathlamet, graduating from Wahkiakum High School in 1964. He began work immediately for Crown Zellerbach doing various logging jobs until he entered the Army. He was stationed in Viet Nam and when he came home from the military resumed logging. He was well known in the small community as a timber faller which he did until Crown Z closed the Cathlamet operation in 1989.

In 1969 he married Julie Tate. They had two children and were later divorced. He went to work at the Wauna Paper Mill in 1989 retiring from there in the mid nineties. He began wintering in Palm Springs where he traveled to for 20 years.

Jack was an avid golfer and member of Skyline golf course. While in the desert he made many good friends and looked forward to visiting them each year. He enjoyed duck hunting, reading and working on old cars. Jack had a soft spot for animals of all kinds and he will be remembered by his many friends and family for his great sense of humor and love of storytelling.

He is survived by a son Johnny Burdick and wife Kassy of Cathlamet, a daughter Jenifer Burdick of Longview, a brother Bob Burdick and wife Karen of Eugene, Ore., and three grandchildren, Brandon, Savannah and Taylor Burdick. Jack was preceded in death by his brother Don Burdick in 2002.

A celebration of his life will be held at Dowling Funeral Home on Saturday January 16 at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum. Donations in Jack’s name may be made to Humane Society of Cowlitz County, 909 Columbia Blvd. Longview, WA 98632. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -