Robert "Ken" Kenneth Burbank

Robert Kenneth (Ken) Burbank, passed away at his home on August 23, 2014 with his loving daughters and wife by his side. In his lifetime he survived cancer five times, including testicular cancer in 1974, pancreatic cancer in 2012, and colon cancer in 2014. In the end he succumbed to the long-term effects of the cobalt radiation treatments he received in 1974. No complaints, he had 40 years with his family and friends, a life well lived. He always maintained a postitve attitude and was a true warrior. Ken was born in Yreka on May 14, 1941 to Charles Ralph and Dora Jane (Kinney) Burbank. He was their only child. He grew up in Grenada and attended grammar school in Grenada and graduated from Yreka High School in 1960. After graduation he entered the Army on the buddy system with his good friend, Les Lewellyn. He was in the 82nd Airborne division and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Yreka and went to work for Maginnis Chevrolet. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Jean Skinner. They were married on June 19, 1965. Together they had two daughters, Lisa Lynn born in 1966 and Shana Michelle born in 1969. In 1969 Ken went to work for the City of Yreka as a mechanic. He eventually became the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor and retired from the city in 1998 after 29 years of service. Ken and his wife both loved traveling and had an interest in archaeology. They spent many vacations in the Southwest visiting national parks, especially those with Native American ruins. They also went to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala where they toured the archaeological ruins of Tulum, Coba, Chitchen Itza, Palenque, Xunantunich, Tikal and many other sites. They also traveled to Machu Picchu in Peru and Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. His all time favorite country was Australia where he always said he would like to live one day. In the 1970's he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Yreka and served different officers jobs including one year as President. He was also an avid golfer. He was a member of the Shasta Valley Golf Club and served as their greens superintendent and also bartended for many years. In 2007 he joined the Weed Golf Club where he was on the Board of Directors for several years and served as President for one year. Joining the Weed Golf Club was like going home for him because his parents lived at and managed the golf course for many years in the 1960's. He remained a member until his death. Ken is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jean; his daughter, Shana Burbank; his daughter, Lisa McGoffin and son-in-law, Mike McGoffin; his grandchildren, Lily Rose McGoffin and Liam McGoffin; his mother-in-law, Edna Skinner; his sister-in-law, Ollie Skinner; and many cousins. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Jessie. He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Burbank; his mother, Dora Burbank, his father-in-law, Earl Skinner and his brother-in-law, Lynn Skinner. No formal services are being held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 W. 6th Street, Medford, OR 97501, or Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 in his honor.

Robert "Ken" Kenneth Burbank

May 14, 1941 - August 23, 2014