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On the morning of June 9, 2020 in Carmichael, California, James Sidney Burk passed of natural causes, peacefully, in his sleep. He was 91 years and 8 months old. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was born in Eager, Arizona the second oldest of 4 children. Sid never lost his love for the White Mountains where he grew up and was known to his children as "Arizona Man". He attended grade school in a one room school house until he was old enough to move to Mesa, Arizona, at 14, where he attended high school. Sid joined the Navy when he was just 17 years old and was stationed on the USS Boxer, an aircraft carrier that was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. While ashore in Oakland, CA he met the love of his life, Frances Jane Krill, at Lynn's Ballroom They were married in October 1948 in Oakland, CA. Sid and Frances celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in October 2019. Sid went to work for PG&E in the east bay as a warehouseman in 1948, later moving up to become a lineman. He and his growing family lived in the east bay until 1959, when he accepted a job as lineman for SMUD. He moved his family to Carmichael, CA where he resided until his passing. His family was everything to him and he even worked two jobs during one period in order to take care of them. He was extremely proud of all of his children. Sid then worked his way up the ranks in SMUD, retiring in 1988 as a line supervisor after almost 30 years of service.
Before retirement and while raising his family Sid enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including photography, videography, dunebuggying, camping, trout fishing (in Arizona) and week end excursions with his family. At one point he and Frances were square dancers. He loved building things with his hands and completed all his home improvements himself.
After his retirement, Sid and Frances enjoyed traveling for many years seeing the USA and Canada in their camper and then later in their fifth wheel. They also toured the carribbean by cruise ship and took a trip to Hawaii.
Always looking for a family connection, Sid was forever on the alert for last names while he and Frances traveled around the country. Some of the names he was seeking were Macdonald, Burk (no E), Hamblin, Tanner and so forth. Anything he could trace in his geneology. He loved the idea that he might be randomly related to vast numbers of people.
Sid was always generous with his time and service to others. Those who had the good fortune to have been acquainted with him knew that he would help with everything from electrical problems, car repairs, or home improvements. He shared his vast practical knowledge and skills with countless people. Sid's work ethic was strong, he was a believer in setting a good example and that was how he lived his life. He was a member of the "greatest generation" steadfast, living through the great depression, and a self made man. One of the first things you noticed about Sid was his white cowboy hats and he had quite an assortment; he never left home without one on his head.
Sid was a lifelong and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a member of several Carmichael Wards since 1959 where he held various positions, including ward clerk, home teacher and member of the stake high council.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Collette Ann Burk. He is survived by his wife Frances, daughters Bonita Nicolle (Nick), Janell Pallin (John), and Renae MacAulay (Robert), nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and sister Laveda Kelepolo. PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (916-725-2109), directors.
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