Sadie Marie Burnside, 30

Late on the evening of Feb. 13, 2023, Sadie Marie Burnside “went upstairs” (as she would say) after a long journey through numerous health issues and struggles. She is now reunited with numerous precious ones who passed before her who she had missed dearly in her life. Sadie was just 30 years old. Sadie “went upstairs” with her mother’s hand in hers, her father and faithful four-legged friend Neko were also present and supporting her transition.

Sadie’s life began on June 12, 1992 at Kalispell Regional Hospital in Kalispell. Sadie was born to Glen R. Burnside and Kimberly G. (Jump) Burnside. Such a precious gift and their only child.

Sadie was adventurous from the start and had a passion for spending time with family. Sadie enjoyed a simple kind of life, in the best kind of ways…the good stuff. Sadie’s dad was the instigator of outdoor adventures, and mom was the inspiration for cozy at home fun times.

Mother Nature (her church): any outdoor activity she participated in made for an enjoyable and worthwhile day. For instance, the first tree she ever fell due to the suggestion, direction and oversight of Papa Ray. Or the time spent at Ashley Lake fishing, boating, cooking and just enjoying the time together with Gram Darlene and cousins at the family cabin. And riding in logging trucks with Papa John wherever their adventures took them.

Fishing was a favorite outing, like going with her godfather John Duncan. Four-wheeler adventures around lakes and camp were part of her many adventures; one of which was around Middle Thompson Lake. Hunting too! She took her first buck and elk at land owned by family in Kila. She was quite the huntress. That was also where she caught her first fish.

Snowmobiling and wondering what hill would she climb and where the adventure would take her. Hunting for shaggy mane mushrooms at Ashley Lake was an adventure and digging them up with tablespoons; of course, on those journeys much more was discovered like weeds that were as beautiful to her as “flowers.” Camping and the delicious foods like campfire potatoes and s’mores were enjoyed much by her. Driving the “red Chev” (she always knew dad was coming to rescue her from day care when she heard it coming) down Thompson River Road and discovering “clam alley.” And going on road trips to Hot Springs to soak was very special times.

She enjoyed time with family and friends: cooking (“the soul of the family”) – like making the pico de gallo recipe of her Burnside family’s, Aunt Minnie’s buns (her cousin thought she hadn’t really cooked them herself because they were just spot on; joke was on him, ha), copycat recipes for clam chowder and chili. Listening to music (her get away and love) and trying her hand at playing numerous instruments which had been given to her by her grandmother’s. She loved listening to stories of her Uncle Jessie’s adventures; he really knew how to tell ‘em and share ‘em. Joking around and poking fun with her dad and anyone with a quick wit and snarky attitude ... (kinda like “the guys”).

Sadie enjoyed trying new sports; a few of her favorites were volleyball and badminton. She also enjoyed watching a good movie like "Wild America" (could be due to the good lookin’ guys, but who knows for sure) or watching "Alaska Frontier" the reality show (she had said she could totally live like that, in the wilderness and living off the land), or "Abominable" (she loved “kids” shows and movies and enjoying them with her mom, whom she just seemed to be in sync with by thinking the same things at the same time, just hanging out and talking and snacking). Sadie also enjoyed crafting up gifts for family and friends like knot quilts and loom hats. The peace she felt watching her fish in the fish tanks was a favorite pastime, especially with additions of fish to fit her given by her Papa Ray and Papa John.

Sadie loved bright colors, especially bright (Arctic Cat) green, but definitely not pink. Her styles changed throughout the years but always there has been hats and sunglasses involved; she’s got quite the collection.

Sadie attended Evergreen Schools from kindergarten to 8th grade, then to Glacier High School and on to graduate from the Alternative Attendance Center (AAC). Traditional high school did not fit with her but the AAC sure did. During her education there she also assisted students in lower grade levels with their education as well as being a mentor to them. She was a “defender of the innocent” and the love and attention she gave to those students was returned with the kind words of respect and adoration at her graduation wishing she could stay with them longer, and the teachers who wished her well and had such faith in her and her future. It was obvious she made an impact and would be missed dearly, as she is now.

Sadie’s work life included grounds keeping duties at Northern Pines (now Big Mountain) Golf Club where she especially enjoyed the early quiet mornings. Then later also working with her dad at Village Greens assisting in these same duties. Hard work and early rise time but she made it work. Cutting in holes and even assisting with that is not for the weak, let alone getting up at zero dark thirty to get ‘r dun. But driving the golf carts just may have been worth it for her when she had the opportunity.

She also spent some time earlier working in childcare which after the changing diapers part of the job, jokingly mentioned that it may be a good form of birth control (not easy stuff to stomach). Children held a special place in Sadie’s huge heart. She had told her mom early in life that she wanted to be a paleontologist because she “likes big bones.”

Sadie has always had an affinity for the ones in need of care and attention, the forgotten or broken, traumatized, victims; validated by the statement about, self-described “defender of the innocent” above. She assisted neighbors in need. She was caring and attentive to her mom and dad if they were sick or recovering from a surprise or needed surgery. She was not hesitant in stepping into assist friends in a traumatic situation with confidence and strength. Her saying was “don’t hesitate, react.” This girl would come to the aid, if possible, for anyone in need. Sadie understood and shared the sentiment of “you don’t know what anyone’s going through until you walk in their shoes.”

Sadie is preceded in death by her beloved cousin Christopher Schmalz, uncle Jessie Rodriguez, grandfather “Papa” Ray Burnside, grandmother Marie Burnside, great-grandmother Mary Cole, grandfather “Papa” John Jump, great-grandfather Frank Williams, great-grandmother Loretta “Retta” Williams.

Sadie is survived by her parents, Glen Burnside and Kim (Jump) Burnside, grandmother Darlene Jump-Rauthe, aunt Billie (Tim) Schmalz, uncle Kevin (Carol) Jump, aunt Kelly (Jerry) Jump-Edmondson, aunt Kristy (Brian) Personett, along with their children/Sadie’s numerous cousins which she shared special memories with. Also numerous other family members near and far, and of course dear friends who loved her.

In recognition of Sadie’s love for those in need, especially animals, Glen and Kim are asking in lieu of flowers being sent, that you donate in Sadie’s honor to the animal rescue organization of your choice to help facilitate the kind of love and care they need, and she so whole heartedly provided. Sadie has a tattoo with her favorite pup Hunter’s paw prints on it (he “went upstairs” before her) which is representative of her love for him and all fur babies. She had said “threaten my animals and you’ll be screwed”.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Shining Mountains Church, 475 8th Ave. EN, Kalispell. A potluck gathering will be held in the basement after the service to have an opportunity to share more of Sadie’s life and memories. Sadie’s family looks forward to sharing her life with you and to hear stories of your special times together.