Stanley Dean Burk, 57

Stanley Dean Burk enjoyed 57 wonderful years with his family and friends. Stan passed away peacefully Thursday morning, July 31, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Stan was born March 15, 1951, in Whitefish, to Al and Vera Burk.

Stan joined the U.S. National Coast Guard and was stationed in Bayfield, Wis., which is where he met his beloved wife, Roxy. They were married Nov. 23, 1974, in Bayfield, and then moved back to the Flathead Valley to start their lives together.

Stan was an avid trapper, hunter and fisherman. He also loved to shoot winter league at the trap club, and was generous enough to sponsor two teams four years in a row. Stan enjoyed passing these passions on to his two sons, Ryan and Eric. Stan also enjoyed coaching baseball and watching his sons excel in sports.

Stan worked at Plum Creek for more than 25 years, and was successful enough to start his own business. In 2003, Stan accomplished his dream for a family business, Burk and Sons Electric.

In 2004, Stan, his sons, and many friends started building his dream cabin in Radnor, his favorite place to get away. Sadly, Stan was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2006. Stan fought this battle valiantly for two years before the cancer finally won, but not before Stan was able to proudly watch his two sons get married and start their adult lives.

Stan was preceded in death by his father, Al; and brother, Steve; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Roxy; his mother, Vera; sister, Patsy, and husband, Ron Anderson; two sons, Ryan and wife, Jenny, and Eric and wife, Laci; niece, Lena, and husband, Ben Havron; and nephew, Andy Anderson. He is also survived by his favorite uncle, Gib Burk; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Stan had an enormous heart and was a great friend to so many in this community. Stan touched too many people's lives to list everyone, but one of his greatest gifts in life were all of his friends. He treasured every moment that he spent with them, especially at the end. Stan will be missed dearly by his family and friends. His dedication and self-sacrifice to his family, especially his children, was his greatest triumph.

Please join his family and friends as we celebrate his life at 3 p.m. Sunday, at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Stan Burk Benefit, P.O. Box 4902, Whitefish, MT 59937. The proceeds will go toward a memorial in honor of Stan.