John Burbank of Helena, Montana passed away at the age of 66 on February 18, 2016. John Wesley Burbank was born in Denver, Colorado 11/30/1949, to Henry and Doris Burbank. John’s early years were spent in Colorado before moving to Great Falls, MT in 1966.
In 1967 he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam with a battalion he and his fellow Marines dubbed the Magnificent Bastards from 1967-1968. During his service to his country John was awarded two purple hearts. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and returned to Great Falls and worked at Garrett Freight Lines for twelve years.
He spent much of his time after his discharge building his close brotherhood of friends on motorcycle rides around the country, many of them consisting of close calls and good old fashioned hell raising.
In 1971, John married his wife Diane and together they had five children. John delighted in being a father and wanted nothing more than to see his children’s faces waiting in the window for him when he came home.
After his experiences in Vietnam, John believed anything life had in store for him would be “gravy”. Later in life, after the family moved to Helena, John decided to go back to school and in 1993 graduated from Carroll College with a degree in Business Administration and an Associate’s in Fine Arts. He enjoyed both life and retirement by creating art in the forms of oil painting, water color, stained glass and woodworking. Even winning Best in Show at the Montana State Fair.
When he wasn’t creating, he spent his time watching the news, Turner Classic Movies and NASCAR. He spent much of his time with friends and family. Each year he celebrated his birthday with the enthusiasm of a small child and most recently he enjoyed cruising around in his new-to-him 1999 Cadillac that he had spent many years searching for.
John was preceded in death by his sons Joshua and Daniel Burbank, his father Henry, brother Mark and Step-father Roger Halcro.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Diane, daughters Amanda (Aeron) Walton and their daughters Elise and Cara, Jessica Burbank, Sarah (Justin) Steinmetz and their children Danielle, Eisley and Holden; Mother Dori Halcro; Step-mother Charmaine Burbank; brothers Bill and Matt (Mary) Burbank, Chris (Lucy) Halcro; sisters Cena Ewert and Jenny Spangenberg; and by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.
Friends and family remember John in his uniform of bibs, pocketed tshirt and his Carhartt button down shirts. He was a kind and generous man with a big heart, always willing to listen and give support. He was a natural born world shaker. Semper Fi.
Military services will be held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter at Fort Harrison on March 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Toys for Tots or the Wounded Warrior Project. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to share a memory of John or to offer the family a condolence.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 4, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday March 4, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Fred Jense says
Diane and family,
I was surprised and saddened to see that John passed away, after just seeing you both at the VA a short time ago.
I always had a place in my heart for John. He was a great man and a hero in my book. He managed well for all he went thorough, nice family, Carroll Degree and a wealth of friends.
I was very happy for your family when you moved out bought your own home in the same neighborhood.
I was proud to have been at least a small part of his life..
My deepest sympathy.
Take care of yourself,
Your friend
Fred Jense
Naida Feland says
Dear Diane and family,
Our thoughts and sympathy to all of you at this time of sadness. Although we never got to meet your husband, John, please know that our prayers are with you during this time. Life gets too short for too many.
Your cousin,
Ralph & Naida (Fenster) Feland
Bismarck, ND
Arlisle H. Murphy says
Dear Diane,
Am very saddened to hear of John’s passing. Even though we weren’t in touch all these years, there’s an empty place in my heart when I think of him not being there with you.
My deepest sympathies and love to you.
Arlisle (Halcro) Murphy
Wickenburg, Arizona
M.H. says
May the loving Creator give you comfort at this difficult time from the Holy Bible at Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.