Louis I. Burdick, 78

Louis I. Burdick, 78, passed away peacefully Sept. 12, 2020, at Sacred Heart Hospital, in Spokane, Wash.

Louis, oldest of five, was born June 1, 1942 in Fallon, Nev., to Floyd and Barbara Burdick. His early childhood was spent in Dalton, Neb., where he graduated from Dalton High School in 1960. Lou enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and was a served in the 6th Missile Battalion, (Hawk) 562nd Artillery, B Battery.

After completing his tour of duty in the Army, Lou attended Nebraska Western college and San Jose State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

He married Elizabeth (Beth), his wife of 54 years, in 1966. Together they had two children, Sandra Regnell of Vancouver, Wash., and Christopher Burdick of Portland, Ore.

Lou was a devoted husband, father and friend. He had a soft-spoken, unassuming character and made friends all over the world. His career took him and his family to Saudi Arabia for 20 years.

Following retirement in 1998 and settling in Bonners Ferry, Lou decided he wasn’t ready to retire. He started traveling and working all over the United States. When asked why he wasn’t retiring, he would say, “I love my work.”

After retiring in 2014, Lou started learning the classical guitar, enjoyed fishing on Lake Pend Oreille, and spending time with his family. His presence will be forever missed by his family. He was our rock.

Lou is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Sandy, and son, Chris; grandchildren, Zach Antinelli, Arianna Antinelli, and Rachel and Kyle Mathewson; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Ozzy Mathewson.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Barbara Burdick of Bonners Ferry Idaho; and brother Vern Burdick, also of Bonners Ferry Idaho.

A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Great Northwest Territories Event Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Cancer Society.