Edward L. Burt

1928 - 2014

Edward L. Burt
Dec. 9, 1928 - March 26, 2014
Resident of Aptos
Edward (Ed) Burt, 85, passed away on March 26, 2014, in Aptos, California.
Ed was born on December 9, 1928 in Sacramento, California, the only child of Nellie and Edward Burt. The family lived in Marysville where Ed attended grammar school. He attended high school in Sacramento, where the family moved when Ed's father took a job as a sports reporter with the Sacramento Bee. His father's ultimate career as a golf writer gave Ed opportunities to attend major golf tournaments as his dad's assistant, and contributed to Ed's love of the game.
When Ed was 17, his parents gave their permission for him to join the U.S. Navy. He served from 1945-1947. He returned to Sacramento and continued his education until joining the Sacramento Police Department in 1951.
He moved through the ranks and retired as a Lieutenant in 1983. Ed was best-known for developing an outstanding model for conducting sting operations. He was sought out by other law enforcement agencies and trained many in his methods.
During those years, in addition to golf, Ed enjoyed getting away from police work to camp and fish, especially with his two sons, Eddie and Michael Burt.
After retiring, Ed moved to Santa Cruz County where he met and married LaVera Wilkins Burt. Ed taught LaVera to golf and the two enjoyed many wonderful trips golfing on beautiful courses in Hawaii and throughout California.
At home, they were members of the Pajaro Valley Golf Course, where they made many friends. Ed enjoyed working for several years there as a Marshall.
Ed was a gifted storyteller and the many stories of his interesting life were often retold and enjoyed at family and social gatherings.
Ed cherished being part of a loving family and will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his parents and by his son Eddie Burt. He leaves his wife, LaVera Burt, of Aptos; his son Michael Burt and granddaughter Courtney Burt, of Sacramento area; his stepson Tim Wilkins and grandson Tim Wilkins II, of Santa Cruz; and his stepson Dan Wilkins, daughter-in-law Lauren Wilkins, and grandchildren Erika and Jack Wilkins, of Watsonville.
A private memorial service will be held. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their care and support during the last months of Ed's life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.