Mark Burda

Mark Burda passed away on November 1st, 2024 in Walnut Creek Kaiser facility. He lost a battle with cancer that lasted almost two years. Service will be conducted in Oakmont Mortuary on Thursday, November 7th, 12:30 PM, Lafayette
Mark was born in the city of Odessa, Ukraine, on April 2nd, 1961. He was the only child of Efim (construction builder manager) and Lucie (accountant). When Mark was 12 years old, the family moved to the United States. Mark emigrated with father, mother, and aunt Adel.
Being a curious and intelligent child, Mark learned a new language and environment. He melted in the new culture fast and completely, so he stopped speaking his native language, that does not happen too often in that age.
Tragedy struck Mark's family when he was a teenager. His father Efim died unexpectedly at early age of 48. Lucie remarried, after several years of struggles, to Oliver Persechino. Oliver became the second father to Mark and had a tremendous influence on his development.
After finishing San Ramon Valley High School and Diablo Valley College Mark was experimenting for several years, trying many different things, until he settled in the automotive industry, working in sales for Acura and Honda dealerships. Mark always was a top performer at work and, at some point, started to share his experience and knowledge with others. He organized classes, where a lot of people learned from Mark and had got advanced knowledge in the car sales process and techniques.
Mark always enjoyed nature, outdoor activities, travel. With his competitive character, for many years, he was a brave and fearless motorcycle rider, taking first places in numerous motorcycle races and competitions. In his house there is a proud display of several dozens of trophies that he won.
He enjoyed skiing, scuba. Last years, before getting really sick, Mark fell in love with mountain biking. He spent numerous hours with his wife Karen, and friends, riding beloved surrounding terrains of Mountain Diablo, the area he really enjoyed and treasured.
We will miss Mark's incredible sense of humor. He always was a center of the parties and family gatherings. He had friends for life from high school.
Mark was devoted father and unconditionally loved his daughter Mikaela. He had a strong bond with Mikaela and stepchildren Nicholas, Tristan, and Robin.
Cannot miss to mention 4 wonderful adopted cats Baby, Biggie, Lexi and, Luna. Mark loved and took a good care of them. In response, they provided additional comfort and tranquility during last difficult months of Mark's life.
Multi-talented and versatile individual - arts, deep technical knowledge in multiple areas, handyman when house needed repairs, skilled gardener nursing his wonderful and beautiful rose garden, amazing cook,...you name it. Nothing that he could not do, until the tragedy struck, the only battle he has not won.
Rest in peace, Mark. You will live forever in our hearts and will be deeply missed. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mark, please visit our Tree Store.