Herbert M. Burks Jr.

About

Michigan State University University of Minnesota University of Virginia

FUNERAL HOME

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

1730 East Grand River Ave

East Lansing, Michigan

Herbert Burks Obituary

Herbert M. Burks, Jr. Haslett, formerly of East Lansing Herbert McDaniel Burks, Jr. was born in Princeton, West Virginia, on October 20, 1927, the only child of Herbert M. Burks, Sr. and Alma L. Seay Burks. He died of natural causes at the age of 84 on May 17, 2012. Herb was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Herb's youth was spent in Princeton, West Virginia and Roanoke, Virginia. He was a high school teacher and school counselor in Virginia after having served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He received post secondary degrees from Roanoke College, the University of Virginia and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Herb was a professor at Michigan State University in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology for 25 years, retiring in 1994. The students he inspired will remember him fondly. During his retirement years, Herb continued to consult, largely on a pro-bono basis, with other counselors, psychologists and attorneys, on matters of individual psychological assessment and professional ethics. Herb was a long time member of Peoples Church in East Lansing. He loved playing the guitar and the harmonica, listening especially to classical and folk music, collecting model trains, and the simple joys of nature and animals. Herb is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary; his children David, Laura, and Valerie; and his grandchildren Sam and Caroline. His traits of kindness, generosity, wisdom, and loyalty will forever keep him in our hearts. A celebration of his life will take place in June and will be announced at a later date. Per Herb's wishes, his ashes will be released in West Virginia, in the vicinity of New River Gorge, near the mountains, streams, and railroad tracks of his childhood and youth. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 or the Salvation Army, 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 in Herb's name. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on May 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Burks

Sponsored by Laura and Valerie, daughters.

11 Entries

Remeny Armitage Royle

February 8, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of the loss if Mr Burks. I remember him as a great dad to my old friend Valerie who I have sadly lost touch with but would love to find again. Hopefully Val you find this and we can get in touch. I'm so sorry to hear the news. Sending love from England xx my email is [email protected].

Dr. Laura Markee

February 3, 2015

What I remember about Prof Burks is his compassion, sense of humor and how much he loved basketball. Fuzzy dice time was the best when I had the privilege of being his graduate assistant. He was one of the finest human beings that I have ever known.

Richard Dombrowski

June 22, 2012

Throughout my struggles as a doctoral student, I cannot think of any professor as loyal and committed to his students' success than Herb. I cherish the memory of our frequent trips to the Detroit or Grand Rapids to teach a class together. Herb was an excellent teacher and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Robert Rossow

May 30, 2012

Good bye, Herbert. Thank you for the many lovely memories of when we had the good fortune to be your and Mary's neighbors. You were so very kind to us.

Mary, our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.

Love from the Rossows: Bob, Laurie, Robert, Joseph, and Little Laurel.

May 26, 2012

To the family of Dr. Herb Burk: We are so sorry for your loss. We wish you peace. Mike and Ellen Lander ( Grand Ledge )

Anne Forbush

May 25, 2012

Dear Mrs. Burks,

I saw your husbands obituary in the newspaper just by chance when I went to visit my Father in Lansing. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much your husband and your family means to you. May you find peace.

Sincerely,

Anne Forbush (Former Gilcrest Home Manager)

PS: I did not realize the love of trains went from Father to son. Very sweet.

Bill Mehrens

May 23, 2012

Dear Mary and family,

I was so sorry to hear about Herb's passing. He was a wonderful person. I first met him in 1961 at the U. of Minn. and have had tremendous respect and affection for him ever since that first meeting. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar. He had the highest ethical standards and was a kind and decent friend. I shall miss him -- as I know you will.

John Lowman

May 22, 2012

Laura and family, very sorry to hear about your loss.

Jean Shane

May 22, 2012

What a great teacher! Fond memories of grad school include a class with Dr. Burks! What an excellent teacher!

May God be with you all!

Luisa

May 22, 2012

To the Family of Mr. Herbert Burks:
I was very sorry to hear about your loss...
Mr. Burks was truly a man of compassion and good cheer. I met him during my younger years (1980) at Michigan State University. At that time, I was returning to MSU to continue my Masters studies in Education. I was very fortunate to know him because he was the one that encouraged me to consider the School Guidance & Counseling Program. He was a wonderful advisor in the college of Guidance & Counseling. It seems that every time we met he had a genuine smile on his face and I knew he loved his work! He became not only my advisor, but also my teacher. Under his watch I learned to connect with many community resources---even put together a "Community Resource Book" with another student/friend from his class. The MSU training and exploration led me to obtain work as a K-12 Guidance Counselor & Teacher for 36 years! I loved it!
Dr. Burks was a man of integrity, honesty, and of gentle character. HE WAS AN INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE! As an educator, it is our passion to leave an imprint in some way upon our students---well, he accomplished that in my case---I will always remember Dr. Burks and his kind spirit will continue to live on...I thank the heavens for the day we met...
Dr. Burks was a wonderful mentor, teacher, and human being!

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE, CHILDREN, AND GRANDCHILDREN...

Sincerely,
Luisa S. DeBlasio

Rick Stewart

May 18, 2012

I do not believe there are words to describe how much Dr. Burks and all of you shaped and touched my life. You have known me since I was in diapers. The most precious memories I have involve all of you and our families. I have always thought of all you as my own family. What a blessing for me! Each of you holds a special and unique place in my heart. Dr. Burks was and always will be one of the most influential men in my entire life. He means the world to me as do all of you. Every time I saw him he always showered me with kindness and affection. He made me feel 1000 ft. tall and so very special. This is testament to what a loving caring person he was. He was the true definition of a gentleman. His work as a professor touched the lives of thousands of people and he taught them to help others. What a beautiful way to spend your life's work! Dr. Burks lived a beautiful, decent and caring life. Please know just how much I love him and all of you. You are beautiful people and I pray that God may ease your suffering and sadness and leave you with only the cherished memories of Dr. Burks. He will always be a father to me and all of you my family. I love you, miss you and my heart and prayers are with you.

All My Love,
Rick Stewart

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results