Alexander (Alex) Emmett Burkos, age 25, passed away on August 12, 2025, at his home in West Richland, Washington, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

Alex was born on October 14, 1999, in San Diego, California, to Julie Thompson and John Burkos. He grew up in a blended family and cherished time spent with all those he loved.

Alex found joy in life’s simple pleasures — being outdoors, riding his bike, camping, tinkering with RC cars, flying around his drones, capturing nature through a lens, and spending hours creating Minecraft worlds for his little cousins, nieces, and nephews. He loved spending quiet time with his stepdad while fixing and building things at his families home. He also shared his creativity and technical skills through his work with his brother-in-law, using his drone to film, edit, and produce videos. He was known for his strength, resilience, and gentle nature — a “silent kind-hearted giant” to all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents Julie and Al Thompson and John and Leigh-Ann Burkos; his sisters, Angie (Zack) Betzsold and Evve Klima, his step-sister Victoria Field, his stepbrothers Tyler (Lacey) Thompson and Trevor Thompson; his grandmother, Marcianna Burkos; his grandfather, Dwight Page; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones who will miss him dearly. Alex was preceded in death by his grandmother Nancy Page, and his grandfather James Burkos. 

A private celebration of life was held with loving family, and a private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

  Donate – RMHC Inland NW

Donation Form | Childhood Cancer Coalition

Donate Today – Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals