Jeffery Burhans

1964 - 2014

Jeffery Lee Burhans

June 13, 1964 - December 6, 2014

Jeffrey Lee Burhans of Keizer, OR, died Saturday morning, December 6, at Salem Hospital, Salem, OR following a sudden cardiac incident. Jeff was born June 13, 1964 in Eaton Rapids, MI to Clinton S. Burhans, Jr. and Barbara A. Burhans. He later graduated from Midland High School in Midland, MI, and Michigan Technological University, after which he spent several happy years in Tucson AZ, utilizing his computer skills for Tucson University Medical Center, writing articles for both professional and sporting magazines, and establishing his own software company, Griffon, Ltd.

He later moved to Keizer, OR, where he was a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Keizer Fire Department and taught part-time at several middle schools in the area in addition to computer consulting. Jeff joined the U.S. Army in 2007, and was deployed to Iraq in 2009. Upon his return to the States, he became a member of the Reserves, and was proud to be employed by the Oregon State Police, again using his considerable computer skills and creative mind for the greater good.

Jeff was a decorated veteran and a fearless adventurer with a great sense of both honor and humor. He loved kayaking, hiking, camping, traveling, flying, music, writing, his friends, and his two cats.

All are especially thankful for Jeff's close friend Phillip Hofmann, who has been of immeasurable help in this difficult time, to the men of Kaiser Fire who raced to help, and to dear brother-in-law Jim Mckenzie, who leapt into action when the rest of us were unable.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Barbara Stoughton, brothers Clinton (Rebecca) Burhans, Michael (Michelle) Burhans, sister Bronwen (James) McKenzie, nephew Dylan Burhans, nieces Shelby and Kayleigh Burhans, uncle James (Janice) Almstead and cousins Elizabeth Elmer and Neil Almstead. He was predeceased by his father, Clinton S. Burhans, Jr. and much-loved step-father H.L. "Bud" Stoughton. He also leaves grieving friends in many parts of the United States and the UK.

Following Jeff's wishes, cremation has already taken place. A military funeral was held in Keizer, with members of his unit from Ft. Lewis, in addition to a gathering of friends and coworkers from the Oregon State Police and Keizer Fire. Family and friends plan a further celebration of his life next mid-summer in Midland, Michigan.