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Gene Burkland Obituary
Gene left us on Dec. 8, 2009. We expect he's gone racing with his departed friends, or is beginning another great project.
Gene was born in Great Falls on Nov. 1, 1936, to Carl and Phyllis Burkland.
His brother Jack died in 2004, and his sister Bonnie Flanagan lives in Missoula. In 1959, he married Betty Hunter. They have two sons; Tom and his wife Linda and daughter Carly from Ogden, Utah, and Bill and his wife Barb and sons Nick and John from Clancy. Gene grew up in Great Falls, and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1954.
Gene began his career with the Montana Air National Guard in 1956 and worked there for nearly 30 years, welding everything from titanium aircraft parts to tricycles and red wagons. When he retired, he moved into race car production and welding/repair work at his home shop. His love affair with cars began in 1951, when he bought his first car for $7.50. After investing in a $10 piston, he was ready to roll!
During the 1960s, his was a familiar face at drag races across Montana, first with a 1932 Ford roadster, and then with a dragster. Classics Car Club, custom show cars, stock cars and dragsters grew into a Bonneville land speed racer produced and run with the assistance of hundreds of friends. In 1971, he took his home-built Studebaker and many friends to Bonneville for the annual Speed Week. He set a national record in 1978 at 255 mph, becoming the first Montanan in the exclusive Bonneville 200 MPH Club. His next car put his son Tom into the 200 MPH Club. Since 1986, Gene, Betty and Tom have been building and racing their streamliner. They set a National Speed Record in October 2004 at 417 mph and a World Speed Record in September of 2008 at 416 mph.
Gene's life revolved around the love of his family and the friends he accumulated through his skill and creativity in welding, his love of cars and curiosity about everything. He was a magnet who drew people to his garage and he had that stubborn streak needed to see an idea through to the end.
He began battling his lung disease in earnest in 1997. We're glad he's finally breathing easy, but we'll miss his ever-present smile.
In lieu of flowers, please bring or send your favorite picture of you and Gene to Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Ave. Great Falls, MT 59401.
Donations can be made to "Save the Salt" c/o Russ Eyres, 3673 Millikin Ave., San Diego, CA 92122.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gene Burkland
Michael Cooper
December 31, 2009
Betty, Tom and Family, Gene will be missed... he will live on forever in our hearts, many pictures and video's.
Ron Ukrainetz
December 17, 2009
Betty and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Gene's passing. He left us with so many wonderful memories from the 'guard' and the cars. Hopefully, all those treasured memories will bring a smiles. He was a great man and friend we all will remember with fondness.
Gary Smart
December 16, 2009
Betty and Family,
Our hearts are with you on the occasion of Genes passing. He was a great man and will be missed by all who he had come in contact with.
December 14, 2009
Thank you Betty and your family for allowing my Grandson Kyle Foose to work the Power Point Presentation,our interviewing filming interviews of memories and to be part of Gene's Memorial Celebration of his life. A life time of memories for me since meeting him in 1954, our time with the Classic''s Rod and Custom Club, Drag Races, Car Shows and working with him at the Guard . Jon & Raylene Rein,
Doug Malone
December 14, 2009
Dear Burklands: Gene will be missed on the salt with his #411. I will cherish all the memories off him and his knowledge of racing on the salt.
HE WILL AND DID BEAT THE SALT DEVIL..
Herman & Myke Wilken
December 13, 2009
Dear Betty and family,
My wife and I are so very sorry for your loss. I so regret not being able to talk to him at the car show/reunion last summer. I looked for him but found he had already left for home. I did not know that he was so ill. I first met Gene at the beginning of the Hot Rod era, NHRA and the car club. He was always friendly and a good person to offer suggestions regarding high performance vehicles. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Warren Wenz
December 13, 2009
Betty and sons,
Gene will be missed by many people. His legacy though is a wonderful family. I do know one thing which is that from the way Betty took great care of me for many years, I know Gene could not have had a better caregiver. Our thoughts are with you.
Ernest Henschel Jr.
December 13, 2009
Betty and Family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man and good friend. our prayers are with you in the days ahead.
December 13, 2009
We have always admired Gene, you and your family. You all have done so much for the racing community. Gene's many accomplishments will forever be in the history books along with his peers. We cherish the many memories of being with Gene at the end of each of his runs down the salt flats. Please know our hearts go out to you and your family during your time of grief. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family. We love you all.
Ed & Cris Shearer, Long course rovers.
Bob Dalton
December 13, 2009
Betty,
I’m so sorry for loss of Gene. It seems like just yesterday, we were visiting at the Copper World race in Phoenix, and later on the Salt. I feel so honored to have been able to know Gene, and would like to think I’m better for it. It wasn’t just the records on the salt. It was the time he took to chat, always so friendly and open. And that was very special. He will forever be a Hero to me, in the likes of Al Teague, Don and Rick Vesco, Nolan and Rick White, and the Markleys, Bones and Charley. I look forward to visiting again, and again I’m so sorry for the Loss.
Bob Walden, Bob Gruenhagen, and Gene -- Dallas, TX -- January 1987
December 12, 2009
Victor Arias
December 12, 2009
My prays go to the Burkland family.
I will miss seeing Gene onthe salt.
SANDY TRUAX
December 12, 2009
HI BETTY, I JUST GOT THE NEWS ABOUT GENE'S DEATH AND I KNOW YOU ARE PROBABLY PRETTY NUMB RIGHT NOW, BUT WE ALWAYS LIKED GENE AND JER SHARED ALOT OF FOND MEMORIES OF BOTH HE AND JACK. FROM EXPERIENCE, IT IS NOT EASY WHAT LIES AHEAD BUT IT WILL BE DOABLE. IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO LISTEN, CALL ME OR EMAIL ME. SANDY TRUAX
Jeremy Foroszowsky
December 12, 2009
Dear Betty and Family, I feel truely proud to have known Gene. I have always looked back with fondness at the times I spent at your house when I was a kid. Whether I was helping in the shop, doing yardwork, or catching lizzards it was always a treat for me. I will miss Gene but he will forever be remembered!
Sheila Giesler
December 12, 2009
Dear Betty, So sorry to read about your husband Gene. Although I've not known much about the world of car racing, I have admired the work you and Gene and your son have done. Peace be with you all.
December 12, 2009
Dear Betty & Family
So sorry to hear about the loss of Gene. What a great accomplishment he has in setting world records. It seems like just yesterday we were at the Lewistown dragstrip watching his orange 32 roadster smoking down the strip. Whenever there was a car event, there was always Gene & Betty! Truly wonderful people. I will forever remember 411 to Bonneville!!! May all the memories you cherish relieve some of the pain you are going through at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Gary & Pat Hagen
Gene Marianetti
December 12, 2009
Dear Betty and family. I was so saddened to learn about Gene. I was thankful that we were able to talk at our 1954 GFHS reunion this past July, and as the emcee was able to acknowledge his great racing accomplishments.The nice thing is that he was able to do it with the support of his family.
Gene will be missed by all of us.
Shauna Murphy-Morales
December 11, 2009
Betty,
My thoughts & prayers go out to you & your boys. I'm so glad that my dad Pat had the opportunity to meet him and teach him all that he has learned.
Bob and Karen Rigney
December 11, 2009
Dear Betty and family,
We are sorry to learn of Gene's death, we remember talking to you both at Glacier Park last year, we enjoyed the short visit.
gary meadors
December 11, 2009
Deer Betty, I read the news on the SCTA web site and am so sorry for our loss....keep the faith....gary meadors goodguys ...
Carol Halmes
December 11, 2009
Dear Betty and sons, I am so sorry to learn of Gene's death. Your memories will carry you through this sadness. A priest once told me that death is the "ultimate healing". That gave me some comfort and my hope is it will do the same for you and the boys.
Love Carol Halmes (Janet's sister)
Ken Robbins
December 11, 2009
Dear Betty, Tom and Bill,
I'm truly sorry for your loss. I knew Gene from the Guard and of coarse as a neighbor. I have long followed the speed record attempts and successes and loved to tell people: "They lived down the street from me":
Warmest Regards
Ken Robbins
Helena, MT
Jeri Howard
December 11, 2009
Betty
I just saw the news in the Missoulian. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Gene had such a marvelous world together; rare these days.
Take care and know he rests in peace.
December 11, 2009
Dear Betty and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Leona Ray
Keith Turk
December 11, 2009
Simply a great man... your life will continue to serve as an example ...
God Speed Gene...
Woodford Gene and Ed Wood
December 11, 2009
Bonnie & Ed Wood
December 11, 2009
Dear Betty and Son:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. We have many fond memories of times in the past with Gene and you Betty. We were blessed to have had Gene in our lives. Take care of yourselves. Our sincere sympathy.
Bonnie and Ed Wood
Bob Gruenhagen
December 10, 2009
To the Burkland Family.
Gene was part of the engine shop crew. His work as a welder and his loyal friendship made him a part of a great team. He will be missed by one and all who knew him. I share your sorrow. He told me the race car accomplishments were a family effort and it was all possible because of you.
Dick Riley
December 10, 2009
Please accept my condolences. I've always admired the whole Burkland family for their dedication to Land Speed Racing and the quality of their vehicles. First class all the way.
John Walden
December 10, 2009
I've known Gene since I was a kid and have been impressed with his machines and him. It is truly an honor to have known him.
December 10, 2009
Betty and family, As you know Helen and I have known both of you for many years and I have always considered Gene to be a special friend. He helped me, as he did most everybody, to accomplish several projects. You folks always were there and willing to help whenever needed. I enjoyed many visits with him as we had similar views on most things. We will miss his smiling face and friendly hello at church when we return in the spring. We will see you next spring.
Jay and Helen Robertson
Yuma AZ
Douglas Anderson
December 10, 2009
What a marvelous fellow, this creator, -this genius of speed,.. Tho I saw him more when I lived in Montana, I was fortunate to see him a few more times at Bonneville through the years. He and Betty always personified what it really means to be 'fine folks'...
Betty, your loss is my loss.
Hold on dear, he'll wait for you...
I shall see you again,
-Doug Anderson in NY,
a 'Montanan in exile'
Lynda Tallant
December 10, 2009
Betty: although I have not seen you in years, I will never forget the help and encouragement you and Gene gave me the last couple years I lived in Great Falls. It meant so much to me and enabled me to do what I had to do to make my life better. I have kept up somewhat on the news of Great Falls, and my son, Scott, and his family returned there after his military life. When I read in the Tribune that Gene had gone on to the next phase of his everlasting life, my heart felt very heavy. Know that you have a lot of people thinking of you. May you continue to have a strong heart and great support system of family and friends to help you through this most difficult time in your life. Lynda Tallant (formerly Martinez)
Rich Fox
December 10, 2009
Truly a great American and an example for all of us.
December 10, 2009
Betty;
You have our sympathy. Is hard to lose a loved one even if "it's time". Gene had quite a life! :)
Judy and Joe Gusick
Ashley Van Ness (Skaggs)
December 10, 2009
Dear Betty,
Though it has been many years since I last saw you, I have thought of you often. I always admired the strength of your marriage, the respect and commitment you and Gene shared for each other. I'll always remember Gene's laughter, and what a great guy he was. May your memories sustain you. Please know you are in my prayers.
With my deepest sympathy.
December 10, 2009
Dear, dear Betty, Sending you hugs and love at your time of loss. Know that Gene was a great guy and is breathing easy at peace. And we have many great memories to treasure. Now when we see those stars streaking across the sky, we will wonder if someone is aboard......trying to get that fast ride!
Char , Swan Valley, MT
Melanie (Stauffer) Okelberry
December 10, 2009
Dear Betty and family, Gene was like a grandpa to me, and i will miss him deeply. I will also miss the giant bear hugs that he would give...those were painful, but they meant so much! We all loved him, and everything that he did for our family. Kids play will remain a good memory of just one of the many things he did for us, that came from his heart. Rest in Peace Gene, hope the salt looks good from where you are! Betty, hope you are doing ok, just remember he will always be looking down on you! We love you, and will miss him deary.
December 10, 2009
Betty and family,
Shelley and I are saddended by Gene's passing. Quite a guy. I remember all of the little projects he did for our office through the years. Very unselfish. He lived his dream with his race cars.
Chuck and Shelley Johnson
Bill Clarkson
December 10, 2009
To the Burkland family: I had known Gene in passing when I was at MANG from '65 to '78 and knew of his racing accomplishments. In the 80s, I purchased a card game printed in Europe for my children, and when looking through the pictures on the cards, there was the black Studebaker - mislabeled as a Corvette! Now in the Tri-Cities of Washington, I have several friends who have also crossed paths with and knew Gene. He will certainly be missed among the racing community and "car guys". Rest assured, he is now at peace and no longer in pain.
December 10, 2009
Dear Bill and family: Jamie and I send our deepest condolences. Love, Rod Daniel, Corvallis, MT.
Janet Burkland
December 10, 2009
I know that Gene is no longer suffering and is in such good company with Grandpa and my awesome husband Jack. Just need to say how lucky I was to be part of the family,Gene was the type of person you could not help but love. My prayers are with you Betty and Tom and Bill and also with you Bonnie..you are always there for someone. Lots of love Janet
Robin Fladstol
December 10, 2009
My heart is heavy today reading about the loss of one of my heros. I met gene when I was very young, going out to his shop with a freind, to ask about welding up a roll bar in my el camino. Even though we only talked for a few minutes the impression that was left on me was unmeasurable. The one thing that sticks out about that conversation that day was him telling me, if I have a dream about going fast or building a hot rod , stick with it and will happen. That was 26 years ago and now looking back on that advice, he sure lead by example. My prayers go out to all of Genes family and freinds.
Jessica Stauffer
December 10, 2009
Dear Betty
This one is really hard for all of us. we are going to miss him so much. he was just not any friend he was the grandpa that took are family in and loved us no matter what. I will miss his bear hugs them were the best I have ever had. we all loved him and missing him. well I love you and will be seeing you soon
love Logan &Jessica (Stauffer) Thomas
Paul
December 10, 2009
When you met Gene you had a friend for life. He would give you the shirt off his back. Rest in peace, Gene
Rhys and Irene Berryman
December 10, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Betty and the rest of the family for your loss. Betty and I worked together at many elections; and my husband and I got to know Gene through her. We were always interested in their achievements in setting the land speed record. We know that Gene will be missed by all of the car people he worked with, as well as his many friends.
Julie Parker and Pat Murphy
December 10, 2009
Betty and family:
Our most sincere condolences on the loss of Gene, beloved husband and father. May the many prayers coming your way ease your pain and the years of memories bring a smile to your faces and lighten your hearts.
December 10, 2009
Betty,
I only knew Gene for a short while. But thank you as I really enjoyed our time together in September 2009. The time you and Gene shared with me and George is so precious. I am happy we had the time to spend together.
Yes, this is a sad loss on this earth. But, it is a celebration of Gene's birthday into eternal life:
Gene Burkland’s BIRTHDAY
into ETERNAL LIFE
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
God looked around his garden on Tuesday morning and saw an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth and saw Gene’s tired face,
He put his arms around him and lifted him to
rest,
God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
God knew that Gene was suffering and knew he was in pain and knew that he would never, get well on earth again.
God saw the road was getting rough; the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed Gene’s weary eyes and
Whispered “Peace Be Thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose him, but he did not go alone.
For part of us went with him, the day God called him home.
Original author unknown
Revised by Mary Choate
December 10, 2009
Dear Burklands: We will miss Gene greatly, you can't even imagine the stories that Dan, Berta, Mark and Mike tell us about the great times you shared. God Bless you all!
Love Mike, Heidi, Amy and Erik
Larry Stollfuss
December 10, 2009
God's speed my friend! You're the guardian angel now, go as fast as you want.
Don and Cathy Steen
December 10, 2009
Dear Betty and family, We are truly sorry to hear of Gene's passing, now he can rest in peace. Growing up with him on the west side of Great Falls will be in our memories forever. What a guy.
December 10, 2009
Dear Betty,
We are sorry to read of Gene's passing but we are glad his suffering has finally ended. You both have been good friends and good neighbors for many years. We love and respect you for the high standards you live in your personal lives and the many good deeds you have done for friends, neighbors, and the entire community. We are so happy that you were able to attain your goal of setting the world speed record while Gene was still here. We look forward to seeing you on our return home next year. Our love, Bert and Myrna Thurber
Harry Johnson
December 10, 2009
Gene and I used to talk about cars during high school and at Scott O'Connell's gas station on the West Side. I had no idea of his land speed record accomplishments but I am not surprised. After our 55th class reunion I was happy to share some old pictures with Gene of his purple '48 Chevy custom. Gene's pleasant way and his unique skills will be missed by his family and friends.
Dan Flanagan
December 10, 2009
Bonnie we were saddend to read about Gene in the paper. The prayers of our family are with you and yours, at this time.
Dan & Vicki Flanagan and Family
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