Steve Burrell

1943 - 2023

Steve Burrell
February 20, 1943 - August 11, 2023
Goodyear, Arizona - It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Mr. Steve Burrell, 80, in Goodyear AZ. He died August 11, 2023 after a sudden illness.
He was born February 20, 1943 at St. Francis hospital, Santa Barbara, CA to Charlie and Mildred Burrell. His family moved much throughout his childhood, living in Colorado, New Mexico, and finally returning to California, where he graduated from St. Francis high school in 1961 at Mountain View, CA. He attended college at the University of SF, then went on to serve in the USAF at Stead AFB, Nevada. He later returned to school at Foothill college, pursuing college radio, music, and business classes.
Music was always a major part of his life as he was a blues man at heart. He and his business partner, Steve Urbani, were inspired to start and build a radio station in areas poorly served. Moving to Morro Bay in 1974, and starting from scratch, with bake sales and lots of hope and ambition, they launched KCBX of SLO. This was his proudest achievement. Steve hosted the Monday evening "Stormy Monday Blues", and managed the station as it grew. He later migrated to cable, and was general manager at Sonic Cable in the Sacramento area, and later, San Luis Obispo.
He was a proud Rotarian in Morro Bay, loved the work they do for the communities and world wide. He and his wife, Kerry, enjoyed golfing with their Morro Bay buddies, and traveled as often as possible to spots around the world. He was an avid reader, enjoyed political dramas, and loved the ocean. They moved to the Big Island of Hawaii 2004 to enjoy their retirement years amid volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes, returning to the mainland in 2021 to be closer to family.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kerry, his two sons, William(Kelly), and Cameron(Rhonda), his sister Elaine(Nasser)of Dubai, and niece Elizabeth(Mark)of Alaska, and 2 cats Pua, and Pepe! He was surrounded in love with Kerry's McKay clan of a brother, sisters, many nephews and nieces, often overwhelmed by their numbers. 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He lived and enjoyed a full, fun filled life with great friends, and was well loved. He will be terribly missed.
Per his wishes, no formal services are planned. He wanted friends to host and toast each other as life is too short. Donations could be made in his honor to KCBX or Doctors Without Borders.