Kenneth Charles Burdick

Kenneth Charles Burdick passed away at his home in Eugene, Ore. on Jan. 28, 2017, at the age of 69. Ken was born Oct. 3, 1947, in Fort Benton to Robert Ford (Bob) and Gladys Elizabeth (Betty) Burdick. He grew up in Libby graduating from Libby High School in 1965. He attended Montana State University earning a B.A. in philosophy in 1969. While attending MSU he met his beloved wife, Kay. They were married in June 1969. He went on to attend Boston University School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1972. He subsequently served United Methodist churches in Townsend and Whitehall, Mont. In 1979 Ken and Kay moved their family to Eugene, Oregon. He was employed by Eugene Coin and Jewelry for the past 35 years. Throughout his years in Eugene, he was an active member in the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Ken’s family and friends remember him as an infinitely patient, generous, compassionate, kind and tender-hearted soul who was accepting of all people. He was a man with a huge heart who showered his family with abundant love and care. Ken was a “seeker,” a life-long learner with an inquiring, inquisitive mind, a person who continually questioned the world around him. Above all, Ken was a mystic, a spiritually grounded man who embraced mystery in all its forms and expressions and lived his life in witness thereof. Husband, father, grandfather, brother - he was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Ken is survived by his wife Kay, two daughters, Laura Burdick (Chris Butte) and Jeanette White (Campbell), a brother, Jim Burdick (Connie), a sister, Nancy Burdick and a grandson, Kellen White. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 3p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Eugene. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Eugene, Oregon, and Direction Service in Springfield, Oregon.