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John Burrell Obituary
Passed away peacefully May 13, 2013, in Englewood, following a courageous fight with cancer. Born March 28, 1943 in Rocky Ford, CO., he was the oldest of three sons born to Delavan V. Burrell and Mabel June Burrell Smedema. Both parents preceded him in death. John lived in Rocky Ford until he joined the US Navy in the late 1960s. He served as a communications engineer in the submarine service. Upon his military discharge, he began a long and successful career as a Broadcast Engineer in Television & Radio Communications. He worked as an engineer, Assistant and Chief Engineer of a number of television and radio stations in Colorado. He was the founder and President of Burst Communications prior to its sale.
John was passionate about life. He freely shared his passions, talent and expertise to the betterment of society. John served in law enforcement for the Adams County Sheriff's Dept. There, he was an active duty officer and volunteered his services for over 14 years. Amateur radio was another passion of John's. Active in the AREA amateur radio community, he loved connecting with people from all over the world via HAM radio communications. After retirement, he assisted rural areas in Southeastern Colorado to improve emergency and rescue communication services. He was a volunteer fire fighter for Stonewall, CO.
John lived life to the fullest and had an incredible zest for life. He never met a stranger. He was a great storyteller, and he loved to listen to other's stories as well. He welcomed young and old into his heart and home. When John passed away he was surrounded by his wife, daughters, and his two faithful four legged co-pilots Gus and Oden. John is survived by his wife, Ernestine; 5 daughters, Debbie Rodriguez, Becky Dockery (Mike), Jenny Burrell, Rachael Burrell (Ross Meinert) & Anna Burrell Simpson (David); 4 grandchildren; two brothers, Dennis (Margaret) and Tom (Patty) of Pueblo; & several uncles and aunts.
Memorial service, May 30, 2013 at 3pm, the Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Graveside service, June 1, 2013 at 11am, Rocky Ford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver or Agape Healthcare. Visit HoranCares.com to share condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Burrell
Dot Smith
May 16, 2024
John,!your family and girls still honor you in love and laughter and memories. You left quite a legacy.
Love
DB in Virginia
Anne Harrison
May 30, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss of such an honorable, strong, loving, funny man. I am sure you all will have many loving memories.
Richard Rutledge
May 29, 2013
John, K0IKN, QRT-SK de old friend, Richard, W0YZ 73!
Doris Cadwallader-Simmons
May 28, 2013
I graduated from Rocky Ford High School with John and am not surprised to hear of all the wonderful things he went on to accomplish in his life. My deepest sympathy.
May 27, 2013
Ernestine, Rachael and Annie, I am so sorry about John and wish I could show up there with a hug for you all. I pray you will pull the treasured memories ahead of the pain and suffering----easier said than done. But I love you, your mom is stronger than strong------and I know you will help each other.
Love Dot Smith
May 27, 2013
I met John at KOA-TV where we worked together in the Engineering Department for several years. We worked the Bronco games at Mile High Stadium and numberous remotes. After several years we both moved on to other jobs, but always stayed in touch. We were both ex-Navy and Ham Radio buddy's. We got together on a regular basis for coffee and lunch to tell stories. John was a great friend for over 42 years and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and I know John will be looking out for all of you.
Ron and Nancy Barnes
Clarencee Blinn
May 25, 2013
I helped John put up his 1st 40 meter antenna many many years ago.
73's and gud DX John!
May 25, 2013
Prayers to all
Carrie and Chris Kirby
May 24, 2013
I did not have the pleasure of meeting John, but I have known Ernestine since our nursing school days in the late 60s. My condolences to her and her family with John's passing and that his inspiring life be a lasting comfort to them. Cynthia Farkas
Barbara Agin
May 23, 2013
I met John many years ago when he came to KKTV. I remember him as a kind, wonderful caring friend. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Dave Porta
May 23, 2013
John...I am one of your biggest supporters. I first met you on a joint broadcast of the Broncos at their first trip to a Super Bowl. You were with KOA and I KMGH. Both of us put together the equipment to broadcast LIVE from the Broncos hotel. What a trip...a long, cross country remote. We were young...fearless...the world was our stage. Since that time, I have been honored and blessed to know you. Take the time off to enjoy heaven...we are all on our way. Blessings to your family and fellow Fire Fighters.
John Anderson
May 22, 2013
John, I will miss you and all of your wonderful stories. All the conversations we had about vintage television and amateur radio will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to the family. 73 OM until next we meet.
John Kelley
May 22, 2013
John was one of the warmest and most forgiving people I have ever met. He was loved and respected by his clients and his colleagues. His interests were wide and varied and he was never at a loss for words.
Condolences to the family and his many, many friends who will all miss his smile and laugh.
Ed and Patricia Mersich
May 22, 2013
Thank you John, for all the great times and stories you shared. I enjoyed your company at the many breakfasts we shared on Fridays. I will continue to listen for your great signal, from the eternal radio station. Our prayers and condolences go out to your beautiful family.
Stephanie Bates
May 22, 2013
God Bless You John! You are such an amazing man! Thank you for opening your home and your heart and your amazing family to myself and my daughter. We watched you grow as you helped us grow. You will be missed! God bless you and your wonderful family as they grieve your loss.
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