On Sunday, September 12, 2021, David Michael Burks passed away at the age of 59, along with his loving father Frank Burks. David was a loving and passionate son, brother, uncle, nephew, father, coach, and friend.

David was born in Richland, Washington to Frank and Sharon Burks, a proud Bomber alum, and spent the majority of his life in the Tri-Cities area, moving to Colorado with his family to pursue career opportunities in the nuclear industries. Much like his hard-working father, David worked his way from an entry level operator position to a well-respected operations manager in the nuclear industry, while moonlighting as “Dr. Dave” when his kids would all too often crash on skateboards and bikes and needed minor medical attention. Like many of the Burks men before and after him, he was known for his playful spirit, quick wit, desire to make others laugh and his passion to share his favorite things with others.

David was a great leader, not only at work but also outside of work.  While living in Colorado he helped build a scholarship program in honor of the students who lost their lived in the Columbine shooting. David also had a passion for coaching and sport, whether it was sharing life lessons with his hockey players, playing outside with his kids, or attending a Seahawks game, he was always ready to jump in and make the activity as enjoyable as he could.

The majority of David’s career was spent as a well-respected Operations Manager, but also most recently was working with his sister Shelly to provide healthy water to people’s homes. One of David’s favorite things to do was to spend time working on and showing a 59 Dodge Custom Royal with his father Frank, as well as helping with taking care of his uncles, a sense of care that has been passed down in the Burks family. David was the youngest child of Frank and Sharon Burks, with older siblings James Burks and Shelly Baker, the father of Alec, Ryan and Lauren, and a father figure at times for many of their friends. Whether it was a spin class at Gold’s Gym, a hike up Badger Mountain with friends, a bike ride with family, or coaching a hockey team on the verge of a national tournament bid, Dave always brought a sense of support and smiles to those around him.

He was a rare light in this world that will be greatly missed by so many. One of the most impactful aspects of David’s life was his faith and one of his favorite bible verses was Psalm 91. “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge’, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” Son, Dad, Brother, Nephew, Uncle, Coach, and Friend, we will miss you dearly and we look forward to the day we see you again. When we do, we will gladly “fly” if you “buy” to get your favorite Heath Bar Blizzard.