Phillip S. Bursett

Phillip S. BURSETT Passed away peacefully on March 27th after a brief but rapid illness. Born on Feb 10, 1932 to Maurice and Beryl Bursett, Phil spent his early years in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt HS and UW in Business Admin. He was involved with Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Upon graduation Phil served his country as lieutenant for the Army's 82nd Airborne. He studied Optometry in Chicago at the Illinois College of Optometry, serving as class VP and graduating with honors in 1961. Returning to Seattle, he met and married his beautiful Swedish wife Marianne Hellberg. He opened a private optometry practice and served his patients and the Lions Club for 35 years. Not one to sit idle, Phil enjoyed weekends with his family at his family's beloved Hood Canal cabin that he helped to build. In retirement, he was fulfilled with co-ed volleyball and softball. His softball team (the Bellevue Blues) bestowed him many awards, including 2010 Player of the Year. A fierce patriot, Phil volunteered many hours to the USO, assisting our men and women in uniform. His favorite hobbies included sports, live music and theater. It is difficult to say which attributes he will be most remembered by, because there were many, including: patriotism to his country, profound generosity, fierce loyalty, great love of family and friends, strong sense of humor and quick wit. Perhaps a quality that many will embrace, was his humility. Though he was a proud man, he did not wear his pride on his sleeve and lived his life modestly. Preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marianne of 47 years, Phil is survived by his brother Bernard, daughters Kyle, Lisa, and Nina and granddaughters Anna and Eva. There will be a private celebration of his life. Please make donations in his memory to the USO or Lions Club.