Donald "Doc" Earl Burk Obituary
Contributed by Jane Henderson
Donald "Doc" Earl Burk Sep 30, 1935 - Mar 20, 2024
Donald "Doc" Earl Burk, longtime Alaska dentist, pilot, outdoorsman and patriarch of the Burk family, passed away peacefully in his bed, surrounded by family on March 20, 2024. He passed in his second home on Maui, Hawaii, at the age of 88. A lei ceremony was performed the day of his passing at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach, a place Don had been making an annual pilgrimage to with his family since 1964.
He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 38 years, Vivienne "Renee" Burk; five children, Kelly Wilcox (Cliff), Dana Burk, Julianne Hinchey (Sean), Guy Burk (Jessica Burk, DMD) and Vivian Burk-Egan (Jim); seven grandchildren Brittany Weber (Keyvin); John, Charles, and Patricia Hinchey; August and Ella Burk, and Vivian Mairead Egan-Burk; as well as great-granddaughter, Madelyn Weber. He is also survived by Wanda Etzel, 95, his sole surviving cousin on the Burk's side; niece, Lisa Laudon with her children Sydney Laudon, DMD, Piper and Tanner; niece, Diana Hausauer (Brian) her children Valerie and Brooke; and brothers-in-law, Mark Webster, David Webster (Isabel), Dale Avera (Debbie) and Steven Avera.
Donald was a beloved member of the Anchorage and Big Lake communities with a wide circle of friends. He was head of the Alaska Dental Board for many years, appointed by late Governor Bill Sheffield. Don was the first dentist to use a YAG laser in the state of Alaska. He was a naturopath and worked out every morning for most of his career.
Donald was born on Sept. 30, 1935, in Salem, Ore., the only son of loving parents Earl and Eunice Burk. Donald graduated from Salem High School in 1953 and was the quarterback and captain of the football team. He was raised with a strong work ethic. His father was a successful businessman and a member of the West Salem City Council. His mother was raised on a farm and was no stranger to hard work. Donald started working in a bean cannery to buy his own clothing at 9 years old. He was extremely determined to succeed and wanted to become a dentist from a very early age.
Donald was the first person to become college educated in his family. In 1956, he completed a Bachelor of Science in pre-dental studies at Oregon State College in Corvallis. Donald met Patricia in college. They married, and Patricia helped Donald survive dental school. He graduated in 1960, becoming a dentist when he was just 24 years old.
Donald's daughter, Kelly, was born in July 1960; daughter, Dana, came along in March 1963; and daughter, Julianne, in June 1970. Donald and Patricia went their separate ways after many years and good times raising their three girls.
Donald sewed as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, joining before dental school, and practiced dentistry in Sasebo, Japan, for two years after graduation. His adventuresome spirit then brought him to Alaska. "Doc" was the first dentist in Kenai, Alaska, and had a line of people waiting to see him upon opening his office at the tender age of 26. In 1963, he opened Anchorage Midtown Dental Center. Don was beloved by all of his employees and patients and loved his work. He had a few very long-term employees, including Sonja Clark and Jackie Carney, who worked by his side faithfully for decades continuing to work with his kids when he retired. He was an excellent 185 pilot and hunted and fished around the world. What he loved most, however, was spending time with family and friends at the family cabin in Big Lake and throwing the decoy for his dog Cubby.
Donald met and married his soulmate Renee and raised son Guy and daughter Vivian. Donald and Renee had a unique bond which permeated the whole extended family with love. Their generosity made it possible for the family, including the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to be together in Hawaii every year. Donald and Renee joyfully celebrated their children and grandchildren in Hawaii, watching the little ones learn to swim and build sandcastles on the beach. They knew how to have fun and shared their joy with the entire family.
Don was proud to raise five children with a college education or beyond and valued education and work ethic above all else. Kelly completed an MBA and was a healthcare administrator for 35 years. Julianne completed law school, started her own firm immediately and has been practicing with husband Sean for almost 30 years. Donald was thrilled when Guy and Vivian took after him, attending his alma maters and following in his footsteps to become dentists. Guy went on to purchase his practice which celebrated 60 years in business in 2023. Donald's grandchildren have also pursued higher education: Brittany has a paralegal degree and runs a successful business with her husband in Colorado; John is attending law school at Gonzaga; Charles is applying to law school; and Patricia is a biochemistry major. Donald's cherished nephew, Scott Laudon, also became a dentist, and moved to Alaska. Donald loved Scott, his wife Lisa, and their family so much, and thought of Scott as another son.
Donald was proud of his amazing family and so loved his beautiful wife, Renee, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and large group of friends. He was truly blessed and surrounded with love, all his life. Don was extremely generous, always picking up the tab for the group, and putting others before himself. He was a man of few words but was always the most interesting guy in the room. He believed in the golden rule and provided pearls of wisdom, saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" and "Don't sweat the small stuff."
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Earl, and Eunice Burk; sister, Janice Laudon; nephew, Scott Laudon, DIVD•, sisters-in-law, Sarah Avera, and Linda Webster; and mother of Kelly, Dana and Julianne, Patricia Burk.
The lessons he taught us, and his legacy will be forever cherished. Since his passing we have had many patients and friends reach out about the impact he made on their lives. His family appreciates the outpouring of love we have received.