In Memoriam To All Departed Companions And Especially to All Who Passed Away on 9/11/2001 and Serving Our Country in Iraq
"What do you see there?""A Broken Triangle" "Alas Poor Hiram!"
Charles D. "Dave" Burgess 1926 - 2008
Charles David "Dave" Burgess was born March 26, 1926, in Helena to Charles F. and Bessie M. (Smyth) Burgess. Dave died at Fort Harrison VA Hospital in Helena on Feb. 3, 2008, due to health complications including diabetes.
Dave grew up in Helena and after graduating from Helena High School he enlisted in the USAA Corps, specializing in aerial photography. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Helena and married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Perhay, on May 16, 1946, at St. Paul's Methodist Church.
Dave and Marge raised their six children first in Helena until New Year's Eve 1954, then moving to Bozeman. After Marge's untimely death in 2002, he married Helen Mulloy at Bozeman United Methodist Church on Oct. 4, 2003. Their marriage was later dissolved.
Dave was engaged in the construction business for many years; including the Canyon Ferry Dam, the then Montana State College Fieldhouse, Leon Johnson Hall, Sherrick Hall, Hoseaus Health & PE Center, Wilson Hall, Cobleigh Hall, Haynes Hall, Cheever Hall, and Howard Hall. He was also involved in the insurance business, retiring from active work in 1994. Dave's lifetime hobby of photography was important even into his last days, especially sharing photos with his Masonic brothers across the nation and in Canada.
Dave was very involved in Masonic Orders; as a member of the Order of DeMolay, Masonic Lodge AF & AM, Order of the Eastern Star, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and other honorary bodies. He was a Past Master Councilor of Edward C. Day DeMolay Chapter, Past Master of Gallatin Lodge No. 6, Past Patron of Lily of the Valley No. 4 OES, Past Master, Illustrious Master, Commander of Bozeman York Rite Bodies, member of the Gallatin Shrine Club. He was serving as Most Illustrious Grand Master at the time of his death and previously served as Past Grand High Priest for the Grand York Rite of Montana. Dave received many signal honors for his work in Masonry, among them Chevalier, Legion of Honor, Leather Apron, and various York Rite awards.
His other civic interests included PTA, Jaycees, Boy Scouts, having received the Silver Beaver Award, and as a member of the Bozeman United Methodist Church.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marge; and sister, Frances (Sissy) McKay Bass.
He is survived by children: Marcia (Jim) Collins of Richland, Wash.; Michael Burgess of Tigard, Ore.; Chuck (Mary) Burgess of Seattle, Wash.; Connie (Bill) Phelps of Helena; Nancy (Jack) Hopkins of Bozeman; and Debbie (Rob) Thurston of West Richland, Wash. Grandchildren and families: JoDee (Paul) Newcomb and Dan and Chris of Marietta, Ga.; Marnae Litke and Trae of Spokane, Wash., and Bracken, Meghan and Paige Sorensen of Kennewick, Wash.; Trevor (Windy) Phelps and Tyler, Tate and Tucker and Seavhannah, Ella and Rose Dimmick of Richland, Wash.; Tobin (Tracy) Phelps and Paysen, Boen and Taylee of Liberty Lake, Wash.; Ryan Thurston of Seattle, Wash.; Brandee (Chris) Osborn and Katie and Jeremiah Smith of West Richland, Wash.; BriAnne (Matt) Woodward of San Antonio, Texas; Daniel Burgess of Washington, D.C.; Molly Hopkins of Bozeman. Also surviving are brother, Jim (Joy) Burgess of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in-law, Louis (Bessie) Perhay of East Helena; sisters-in-law, Norma (Joe) Screnar of East Helena, and Jeanette Kelly of Helena. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
The family would like to thank his various caregivers at Fort Harrison VA Hospital over the years for their thoughtful care of Dad.
The family requests memorials be designated to: TVs for Vets, P.O. Box 167, Fort Harrison, MT 59636; Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204-2901; The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., 1000 E. State Parkway Suite I, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4592, e-mail, ktefofc@ix.netcom.com; or to the charity of your choice.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Bozeman United Methodist Church. A light lunch will be offered following the services. Interment will follow at 4 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Helena.
Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
"May the LORD Bless You and Your Families" With Love and Prayers May the PEACE of the LORD Be With You
Please Email Information to VI Dan Pushee kych52va@aol.com Updated Februasry 6, 2008 @ 2045 HRS
"A Broken Triangle"