Bertram James Burgess

Dear friends and family, We had hoped to have a celebration of life for our father, Bert Burgess. After much thought, and with an abundance of caution, we have decided that a gathering during these times is not a healthy plan. We did not want his passing to go without a demonstration of our love and affection. With that, Phil has produced a DVD for your viewing to show our father's life and love's. We think of him often and miss him greatly. With love and appreciation, Phil Burgess Linda Dingess Bertram (Bert) James Burgess died peacefully in Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center on January 02, 2020 in Clackamas Oregon at the age of 92. Bert is survived by his wife, Cheryl Layson; daughter, Linda Dingess and her husband Bill; son, Phillip Burgess and his wife Darlene; siblings, David Lee Burgess of Bellingham WA and Judy Pefley of Yuma, AZ. In addition, 6 grand children, 12 great grand children and many loving friends survive Bert. He is preceded in death by his first wife Eleanor, Brother Robert (Bob) Burgess, and Sister Janice Webster. Bert was born on September 09, 1927 in Bellingham, WA to Clyde and Gladys Burgess. After his discharge from the Army, Bert studied industrial refrigeration before settling down in Vancouver, WA where he found his life long vocation as an electrician. In addition to becoming an accomplished electrician, Bert found the time to nurture his love of flying small aircraft, boating, camping, snowmobiling and travel. To many, he was known to be a frustrated farmer. He cultivated a large garden each year, sharing most of his bounty with friends and neighbors and the local food bank. Bert was an accomplished boater and longtime member of the Tyee Yacht Club on the Columbia River in Portland. He was a generous and dedicated man who was passionate about Portland's Christmas Ship Parade. In 2016, after 40 years of holiday service, Bert completed his final Christmas Ship voyage, retiring his iconic Roadrunner from the annual river-going parade season. Bert's love of adventure served him well as he was a consummate storyteller. With his witty banter and sharp memory Bert entertained friends and family with the exploits of his many travels. From his adventures on the inside passage to Alaska on his beloved Breezy II, to his latest cruise up the Amazon, Bert was able to share his passion for life in every story. For those of you that knew Bert well, he would tell us that it may be 92 down but a life time of memories to go.

Bertram James Burgess

September 9, 1927 - January 2, 2020