Search by Name
Search by Name
JOSEPH "RED" NEAL BURDICK
July 10, 1947 ~ July 4, 2014
Joseph Neal Burdick, 66, of Vancouver, Washington, died suddenly on Independence Day of 2014. He was born July 10, 1947 to the late Ralph and Natalie Burdick in Ephrata, Washington.
(Joe) was raised in the east Vancouver area of Orchards, Washington where he attended the Evergreen District schools. He left school before graduation to enlist in the Army. He served our country during the Vietnam War by fighting with the Bobcats of the 25th Division of the 5th Infantry where he was decorated many times.
Later, Joe was so active in maintaining communications with former service comrades that in 2012, he received the "Bobcat of the Year" award from the Fifth Infantry. And in 2013 he received recognition from the Secretary of the Army in a special ceremony, held in San Francisco, California, and he is now a distinguished member of the regiment.
On June 4, 1971, he married Linda Ellenwood and they were blessed with twins, Tami and Joey.
He was proud to receive his high school graduation diploma from the Battle Ground School District in 2009 during a special presentation for military veterans. Joe spent his entire civilian life in the Clark County area where he worked at ALCOA, VANALCO, and finally Frito Lay.
Joe thoroughly enjoyed life through loving his wife, children, grand children and great-grand children. He was more than mechanically inclined. Joe could fix anything. He enjoyed trips to his property in the Long Beach peninsula, ocean cruise ship journeys, many cross-country road trips to reunions with his fellow Bobcats.
He loved to drive his renewed '62 Impala SS to cruises and once even to a military reunion in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Bible Study groups continually renewed and reinforced his Christian beliefs.
He brought many smiles, handshakes, remembrances and even tears of joy and lots of smiling conversations when he would hand out P-38's to anyone he spotted that was wearing an indicator of military service to our United States of America.
Joseph Burdick is survived by his wife Linda; children Robert, Michael, Tami and Joey; as well as siblings Ralph (Suzanne), Mike (Nancy), and Sue (Randy Weich).
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Home (1101 NE 112th Ave. Vancouver, WA). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to the "Ray Hickey Hospice House," 2112 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Please sign Joseph's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You were a beloved member of our Evergreen community. Hope you have all the great street rods you want up there!!
Pat Warwick
July 2, 2022
You always had a broad smile across your face when ever I saw you. Miss that.
Pat Warwick
School
July 2, 2021
Joe and I went in the service together and served basic training together in 1966, I have been contacted by joe several times over the years. At one time we both had T - Bucket hot rods. Joe will be missed by many. My memories are all good of Joe
Lee ASHCRAFT
July 15, 2014
Linda and family, we were so shocked at Joe's sudden passing, we were all looking forward to your return to the Berkshires. Joe was certainly a big hit out here, and he will be missed. If there's anything we can do to help the hurt, we're here for you. May God bless you and give you strength in this very sad time. Love from the Massachusetts Burdicks.
connie gray
July 10, 2014
Linda,
It goes without saying that I share your sadness. I was out of town and did not hear until the 10th or I would have been at the memorial. His passing is a loss to many. Kind thoughts. Ellis
Ellis Berg
July 10, 2014
I met Joe in Jan 2001 when we were hired together at Frito Lay. He was always upbeat and had a positive attitude! He was always there to lend a helping hand when I needed one, such a great co worker to have. So sorry you left this life so soon. You have left a lot of great memories behind for everyone to hang on to. God Bless, Beth Fitzgibbon
July 10, 2014
Rest in peace, my good friend.I have never known a man help so many people and still have time for his own task. I worked with Joe at Vanalco for 18 years. I would always ask what kind of Wheaties he ate for Breakfast, because he always had such energy and helped everyone.Linda i will pray for all of you. Joe left me with alot of good memories.
Pete m.Chavez
July 9, 2014
I know you are safe and in God's hand's, he called you early and that saddens us all. RIP my friend
Duane Wilson
July 9, 2014
He takes the good ones early to help the rest on their way. You must have been one of those he needed.
Sam Stack
July 8, 2014
Joe it was such a thrill to get reacquainted with you at the 25th Division Picnic in 2009. Until that picnic I hadn't seen you since you and my big brother Buddy ran around together in high school in the 60s. It was such a great surprise to see you at the picnic. I so enjoyed your smile and teasing ways when I was a young girl and was pleased to find out that you never lost your great personality over the years. You had the best smile, knew just what to say to make a girl feel special and your hellos and goodbyes were always accompanied with a big bear hug. I miss you dear friend. I'm so glad to have gotten to know Linda, whom everyone could see was the love of your life. You two were lucky to have found each other in life and shared many years together. I'm looking forward to seeing your great smile and feeling your big hug when next we meet. Rest in peace dear friend.
Patti Adkins
July 8, 2014
Linda - It was a tough day at the monthly 25th Infantry Division luncheon today knowing Joe has left us for a higher calling. We will all miss him, his smile and his engaging conversations... Love to you and the family...
George Pullen
July 8, 2014
Joe was a good friend many years ago. He helped me get my first job. Lots of good memories. RIP my friend.
Don Espey
July 8, 2014
Joe we were just getting to know each other after all these years. RIP brother. Linda I don't believe I know but iam sorry for your loss.
Tom Tester
July 8, 2014
In the past years I would only see Joe at the Class Reunions (Evergreen Class of '66)and always enjoyed catching up with him and his endeavors. A great man, a great loss. Rest in Peace Joe.
Pat Whitegon-Warwick
July 8, 2014
Joe, gonna miss ya. May you have many a good hunt with a faithful hinter (joke between me and Joe, he will understand).
Candy Flagg
July 8, 2014
Saddened to see that Joe is gone from this life. He was such an engaging, wonderful guy. I am a '66 Evergreen grad and enjoyed him at our class reunions. Prayers for his family and many friends.
Bev Hanning Henley
July 8, 2014
Linda and family: I remember Joe from school and growing up as a kid. I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. May God give you the peace you need at this very difficult time. Billie Allison
July 8, 2014
Joe...you touched a lot of people - me included. Big man, big heart. God is getting another good one. Hope to join you one day. So sorry for your family's loss.
Doug Crawford
July 8, 2014
We send our thoughts and condolences to the family. Ray Collins and Donna Wolfkill have good memories of Joe from Evergreen High. Seeing Joe at Cruise the Gut in 2012 and meeting his wife was very special for Donna as she hadn't been back to Vancouver for a very long time. Ray will miss seeing Joe at the different car events. Again, we send our love to the family.
Ray Collins Donna Wolfkill
July 7, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about the death of JOE HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN.
July 7, 2014
Linda and family, Joe was very dear to me as are you. Make each memory a special one in your heart and may God put His arms about you and encompass you in His love. Fay
Fay Pearson
July 7, 2014
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Funeral services provided by:
Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more