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Steven Burak

1956 - 2023

Steven Burak obituary, 1956-2023, Shulin Lake, AK

BORN

1956

DIED

2023

Steven Burak Obituary

Steven Burak
November 6, 1956 - June 16, 2023
Shulin Lake, Alaska - In Loving Memory of Steven W. Burak.
Steve was born to Walter and Mary on November 6, 1956. He was the only brother to three sisters. He faced difficult circumstances early on in life and found his own way. In fact, he learned to do most things his own way. He was fiercely independent and his life is a testament to big dreams, hard work, and a love of adventure.
Throughout his life, Steve embraced both hard work and play. He understood that life's rewards were earned. Along with his beloved wife Nadine and three children, he had a beautiful life. He worked with his family to build a successful company from the ground up and craft a beautiful home. He had an uncanny talent for planning and building things. If he could dream something up, he could make it a reality.
Steve's spirit thrived in the great outdoors, particularly in his love of hot springs, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, flying airplanes, and jet boating. Alaska held a special place in his heart. There he found solace and connection to nature. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with others – bringing friends and family to Bent Prop Lodge where he piloted others on their own Alaskan adventure.
Although Steve wasn't always the easiest to understand or get along with, his love and pride for his family were unwavering. He shared his unique perspective of the world with his friends and family, challenging those around him to see beyond the ordinary to accomplish their goals. Steve accomplished great things by questioning the rules.
People who didn't know him well were often caught off guard by his unique way of connecting with others. He enjoyed talking to strangers in his day to day life. He was entertained by the reactions of others and enjoyed helping others break out of their daily grind. He left a lasting impression everywhere he went. He brought laughter and joy to those fortunate enough to witness his rowdy, carefree spirit.
Steve surrendered his earthly body to rest in peace on June 16, 2023 after a courageous 14 month battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated husband, proud father of three, and loving grandpa to eight. His spirit lives on in those who knew and loved him. He is with us in the sound of a small airplane flying overhead, the sweet tune of a harmonica, the lingering smell of a campfire, and the thrill of a fish on the line.
Steven Burak lived boldly, loved fiercely, and dreamed extraordinarily.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 29th starting at 1pm at 221 N. Pilatus Ln., Nampa, ID, 83687.

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

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jul. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Tom and Karen Stelmak

December 18, 2024

Great memories in Alaska

Tom Stelmak

July 3, 2024

A great pilot will always remember our days at Lake Hood

Dana Anderson Dukes

August 10, 2023

We first met Steve the summer of 2021 in Dry Bay, AK. We enjoyed watching him fly his Beaver in and out of there. It was beautiful to watch him land and take off. He was hauling things in and out and would sit around with us if he wasn't in the air. He loved his plane. Always turning down an offering of a bed should he spend the night. His preference was to sleep in his plane. For the short time we knew him, we can say our lives were better for knowing Steve. Nadine, our hearts go out to you and your family. God bless.

Tom & Patty Tyson

July 25, 2023

Nadine - Patty and I are very sorry about losing Steve. We chose to remember him leading our steelhead trip and the great time we had up north. Most folks just talk about adventure...

Mark McVay

July 24, 2023

Nadine and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve was one of a kind - he will be missed.

Linda Villemarette

July 24, 2023

Nadine and family... I hope you will find all the peace and strength you need to navigate the days, weeks, and months ahead. What a full and beautiful life Steve lived! May he rest in peace.

Lorin Miller

July 24, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Nadine and family. My initial introduction to Steve was a little jarring as a business colleague but he soon became a strong confident who I greatly respected and learned a lot from both for my business as well as personally. We definitely need more Steve Buraks in the world to keep us challenging and motivating each other. RIP Steve

Jonna Haberthier

July 23, 2023

What a beautiful obituary. It truly captured Steve and how he lives his life! We will not be able to be with you on the 29th but the entire Burak family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Nadine and here if you need us!

LeRoy Wegner

July 17, 2023

The obituary for Steve is so well written. He was a life long learner, becoming a master of everything he decided he wanted. Steve provided so many of us with life long memories. He was adventerous and always willing to invite his friends to join in his joy of life. Rest in Peace Steve. -- Fish On.

Mike Hart

July 14, 2023

Steve was a unique character who was hard not to like. This obituary does a great job of capturing how he was, brilliant, quirky, curious and fun to be around. Nadine (and family) I am so sorry for your loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the times I flew with his Beaver or my Cub.

J&P Lee

July 14, 2023

Condolences to the Burak family for the passing of Steven. His light will shine forever in our hearts.

Tom Stelmak

July 14, 2023

So sorry to here Steve provided life long memories for us with our visit to his Alaska cabin and what a cook he was great host

Sylvia Cunningham

July 14, 2023

Nadine, I´m sending you thoughts of peace and comfort. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Kurt Becker

July 13, 2023

I first met Steve around 2005 when I gave him his seaplane rating. He was a quick learner and even came back to me the following year to thank me for the training. I visited him at his cabin in Warren once and the last time I heard his voice he was trying to get flight service to give him help getting through the Blue Mountains I was flying the other way and relayed my pirep but hesitated to say hi as I wanted to keep professional. We both knew who was talking on the radio but his "thanks for the information "response was good enough for me. He made it through in his Beaver. Fly high steve and would appreciate a Pirep from heaven when you land

Steve Knudson

July 13, 2023

What a perfect message about Steve´s time on earth. He always wore his heart for all to see. He was a great man

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Maxine Wilkinson

Planted Trees

Joe Connaker

July 11, 2023

RIP Steve. You were one of a kind. You did it your way! My condolences to Nadine and family.

Valerie Lawrence

July 10, 2023

Steve was my neighbor and friend. He was just fun to be around. When I think of Steve, I think of Mercurial nature, smart, pure-hearted, surprising, mover and shaker. You never knew where the conversation was going, but it was always entertaining--and caused you to think. I truly enjoyed his sense of humor and his candor. My husband and I got to "sleigh the reds" in Alaska with he and Nadine. We also went horseback riding above McCall and spent other good times together. I am glad to have known him. Steve was one of a kind. I know he will be missed by many, including myself. Rest in Peace Steve. So sorry for your loss Burak family and friends.

Robert Videon

July 10, 2023

Steve was adventurous and always wanted others to come along and share the experiences! From the little moments we spent together, I think he was like that selfishly because he loved being with others and seeing them enjoy something beautiful and not just him soaking it in! Steve was easy to be a friend & full of energy and life! I´m glad I got to know him and his family!

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