Josh BURROWS

Josh Burrows had his heavenly homecoming on June 20, 2024. A resident of Spokane, he was 70 years old. Josh was born in Belleville, Illinois, on November 25, 1953, to his geologist father, Lees J. Burrows and model/interior decorator mother, Gayle Nelson Burrows. Josh was known for his intelligence, sense of humor and leadership skills even at an early age. He excelled at most athletic or academic challenges. Josh attended Franklin Elementary School, Sacajawea Junior High School and Gonzaga Preparatory School, graduating in 1972. He attended University of Santa Clara and finished his bachelor's degree in business administration at Gonzaga University.

After college, Josh joined the family's business, Diamond Drill Contracting Company, in 1979, in sales and marketing. He later went on to form his own company in 1988, Environmental West Exploration, which provided environmental, geotechnical, and water well drilling services throughout the western U.S. He served as the company's President/CEO for 35 years.

Josh was an avid snow skier, biker and fitness enthusiast. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and traveled to Sturgis, South Dakota with a group of friends. In his spare time, he played guitar and planned his own concert with the Trailer Park Girls at the Bing Theater just to check off another item on his bucket list. He participated in 2nd Harvest Food Bank's Street Music annual fundraiser.

When not working, he could be found at his cabin on Priest Lake with a horde of cousins or canoeing on the waters of Hawaii. Beginning in the mid-1990s, Josh became an active supporter of Gonzaga's Men's basketball program and funded one of the university's sports training facilities, the Josh Burrows Performance Athletic Center. Along with several other Gonzaga boosters, Josh helped fund the 5-foot-tall bronze Bulldog statute who guards the Kennel Club in front of the McCarthy Athletic Center.

While he struggled later in life with substance abuse, those who knew Josh best were proud of his 26-year commitment to sobriety. Josh is survived by two sisters, Tana Binninger (Ben) and Kaari Davies; his niece, Cali Davies; ex-wives, Paula Sabins and Courtney Cook; and too many close friends, relatives and business associates to list here. He will be laid to rest in a private service at Greenwood Cemetery.