E. Leroy Burdick

BURDICK, E. Leroy

On April 17, 2009, E. Leroy Burdick passed away at the age of 84, at his home in Elk Grove with his loving wife of 42 years, Florence, by his side.

Leroy's love, dedication and service for his heavenly Father encompassed everything he did in life. He was a minister for the reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ for 63 years. He touched the lives of many through his compassionate and caring service for others. He will also be remembered as, ''Grandpa Froggy,'' who enjoyed entertaining children of all ages with his magic quarter tricks.

He was born on November 29, 1924, in Bakersfield, Calif. He was a graduate of Sacramento High School, Healds Business College, and CSU Sacramento. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired from the California Youth Authority after 30 years and continued beyond his retirement providing service as a substitute teacher for the Department of Corrections, and the Elk Grove Unified School District. He is survived by his wife Florence and was the loving father of eight children: Cynthia Burdick-Frenna; Bill Burdick; Barbara Burdick; Richard Burdick; Michael Burdick; Michele Burdick; Matthew Burdick; and Lee Burdick; 27 beloved grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Al and his wife Dorothy Burdick, brother-in-law Gene and sister-in-law Shirley Russell and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Myrtle Nicholes Burdick, his parents Edwin Charles and Edna Burdick, his uncle and aunt Lawrence and Mavis MacDonald, and his grandchildren Heidi Ayala and Cameron Burdick.

Friends are welcome to attend a visitation from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. and a graveside service at Noon on Friday, April 24, 2009, both at South East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9189 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at the Community of Christ Church, 4044 Pasadena Avenue, Sacramento.