Jay Burkett

Jay D. Burkett, 70, was born in 1940 to Alan and Freeda Burkett at Dora, N.M., and passed from this life Thursday, June 23, 2011, in Arroyo Grande. He held a degree in Industrial Arts and taught in Ganado, Ariz., before he moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where he spent the remainder of his working career. He began working at Northwestern Woodworks in 1970 and purchased the business a few years later. He sold it to his shop foreman in 1980. He later married Gloria Montano, and helped to raise three stepchildren, who were with him in the last days of his life. He found a great environment at Pismo Beach, which suited his health and became his home. Jay was blessed to have made many new friends and relationships in the Five Cities area during the last nine years, which provided strength and encouragement as he lived day by day. The family wishes to thank each of you for sharing in life with him. Jay is survived by his brother, Mickey (Alicia) of Dora and their daughters, Loreann (Eric) Braden and Linsey (Fred) Canney; stepchildren Sean and Stefanie Montano and their children Brandon, Chloe, Leanna and Leonard Aguilar, all of Albuquerque; and stepson, Javier Montano of San Mateo, Calif. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at the Church of Christ, 202 S. 8th St. in Grover Beach. Jay has been taken to Portales, N.M. for burial. Donations may be made to the Albuquerque Christian Children''s Home or the New Mexico Christian Children''s Home. Wheeler Mortuary (575) 356-4455 Portales, N.M.