Cleve Kay Burnside

Cleve K. Burnside, 76, of Rigby, Idaho, passed away on July 26, 2025, doing what he loved—tinkering. With a wrench in one hand and a quiet grin on his face, Cleve left this world the same way he lived in it: hands-on, full-hearted, and always curious.

Born on January 17, 1949 in Driggs, ID; to Doyle and Flossie Burnside (Smith), Cleve entered the world as a bundle of joy and quickly carved out a special place in a lively home filled with siblings: Moe, Clyde, Darlean, Bellva, DeAnna, and DiAnna.
Cleve graduated from Rigby High School in 1967, where he made his mark not in the classroom, but on the court and the field. A proud Trojan, Cleve played both basketball and football, and earned a solid reputation for his tenacity, quick wit, and his uncanny ability to stir up just the right amount of trouble. While academics never quite held his attention, he excelled at making memories, friends, and the occasional harmless fight. 

In May of 1968, Cleve answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army, where he served honorably in Vietnam with the 116th Engineer Battalion. He deployed alongside his brother Clyde, his friends Gary “Buzz” Smith and Ronnie Skinner, and his future brother-in-law Val Skinner. Together, they faced the challenges of war with grit, loyalty, and courage—bonds that lasted a lifetime.

On September 9, 1970, Cleve married the love of his life, Marva Jean Skinner. Together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and the sound of banging hammers echoing from the shop. Over 54 years of marriage, they weathered storms, shared quiet joys, and created a family full of heart.

They were blessed with three children: Cleve "Kirk" Burnside in 1978, Jeannie Marie, who was born with angel wings in 1980, and Mandy Kay in 1983. Cleve's devotion to his family was quiet but steady—shown through his actions, his sacrifices, and his ever-reliable presence.

Cleve was an avid fisherman and hunter, always happiest in the mountains, a river nearby, and the peace of the outdoors all around him. He had a true craftsman’s touch and was constantly making handmade wooden gifts for his siblings and grandchildren—each one carved with love, humor, and care. These keepsakes now serve as treasured pieces of his spirit and legacy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marva Jean Burnside; his children Cleve "Kirk" Burnside (Nichole) and Mandy Kay Burnside; his grandchildren Cleve "Kaylan" Burnside (Kenzie), Brooklyn (Dillan), Lauren, and Aiden; and his great-grandchildren Sailor, Rowdy, Sutton, and Walker. He is also survived by his siblings Moe (Lorane), DarLean, Bellva, DeAnna (Brion), and DiAnna (Larry), and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives he touched with loyalty, humor, and humble strength.

Cleve was preceded in death by his beautiful baby girl Jeannie Marie, his parents Doyle and Flossie, his brother Clyde (Janice), his brother in laws Gary “Buzz” Smith and Kent McNeil.

Cleve’s funeral will be held, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the 4th Ward Red Brick LDS Church, 401 W 1st S, Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends at the Red Brick Church, Friday evening, August 1st, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday prior to funeral services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.

If you’d like to honor Cleve, find something broken—a tool, a fence, a friendship—and fix it the Cleve way: with heart, patience, duct tape, and a little twine string. That was his way. And the world is better because of it.