William L. Burnett Jr.

1951 - 2026

William L. Burnett Jr.
08/13/1951 - 02/13/2026
William Lee "Bobo" Burnett, 74, of Walnut Creek, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. Talented, intelligent, creative, and an exceptional friend, Bill brought light and joy to those around him and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
The nickname "Bobo" was born during his years at Gonzaga University, where Bill and his roommate Jim Dolan famously ran a makeshift bar and grill out of their dorm room in Madonna Hall. The name stuck with his Northwest friends as a loving reminder of his humor and hospitality.
Born on August 13, 1951, in Oakland California, Bill was the beloved 2nd son of Lois and Bill Burnett Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. Lois and Bill Sr. were known for warmly welcoming Bill's college friends during spring breaks. Lois, especially, was remembered for her shrimp salad and garlic bread - recipes Bill proudly carried on, preparing and serving them to friends throughout his life.
Bill grew up alongside his brothers, Kevin and Bryan Burnett, all attending St. Leander School that marked the beginning of a deep and lifelong bond. His brother Bryan claimed that they learned more from the Nuns there than all of high school. He also cherished his relationship with his sister-in-law, Heidi Burnett, and his niece Katie Ricken and her husband, DJ Ricken. He went on to attend Bishop O'Dowd High School where he was active in sports and theater.
A proud Jesuit-educated graduate of Gonzaga University, Bill served as editor of the student newspaper, foreshadowing a distinguished career in journalism. Over the course of his professional life, he held editorial positions at The Spokesman-Review, The Idaho Statesman, The Lewiston Tribune, The San Francisco Examiner, and The San Francisco Chronicle. His sharp intellect, unwavering integrity, and gift for storytelling earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and readers alike. He was especially known as a master headline writer. Alongside his brother Kevin, he also wrote and edited a syndicated home improvement and remodeling column titled "Sweat Equity."
Outside of work, Bill embraced life with adventure and humor. He was an avid sportsman who loved the San Francisco Forty Niners, the Giants, Gonzaga Basketball, racquetball and cycling in early life, and especially golf - a life long passion highlighted by a memorable hole-in-one at his home course at Rossmoor. Spiritually grounded, Bill frequently visited the Nestucca Sanctuary on the Oregon coast and formed lasting friendships with Jesuit priests Father Andy Dufner, SJ; Father Pat Twohy, SJ; and Father Pat Conroy, SJ. He was an active participant in the daily 5:00 p.m. meditation group at Rossmoor, the St. Joseph Seattle Parish Men's Ministry, and a Friday morning men's prayer group.
A memorial service celebrating Bill's remarkable life will be held at Rossmoor in the coming weeks.
Larger than life, kind, compassionate, and endlessly loving, Bill Burnett was a devoted son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.