Roy John Burkhart

Roy John Burkhart

Longtime Alaskan Roy John Burkhart, 82, died in his Palmer home on February 28, 2021, with his wife Joy at his side.

When the pandemic began, he and Joy were at their winter home in Arizona. They made plans to leave Arizona and not return, uncertain what the future might bring. Roy knew whatever time he had left on this earth he wanted to spend at home – in Alaska.

Born on March 13, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Roy Joseph Burkhart and Helen (Burkhart) Campbell, young Roy grew up in a small coal mining town. Roy’s stories of his youth depict him as disinterested in school and a bit of a troublemaker. He was anxious to see other places and driven to serve his country, as his relatives had before him.

After trying many times to convince recruiters to accept him early, he finally convinced his mother to sign a waiver allowing him to enlist in the US Air Force two weeks after he turned 17. Roy was trained as an air traffic controller and was stationed in Korea during the turbulent period directly following the Korean War. His years in the service were formative to so many significant things in his life, particularly his commitment to advocate for veterans.

Roy met June Blair in 1957 on a blind date when he was stationed at a radar site in Mt. Hebo, Oregon. They married in November that year and spent the next 55 years together, until June succumbed to cancer in 2012. Daughter Sherri and son Blase entered their lives early in their marriage.

Disconcerting to both of their families was the news that the FAA would be transferring Roy to far-off Anchorage for a two-year contract following his discharge from the Air Force. Roy arrived in 1960 and June and the toddlers arrived in 1961. What started as a two-year adventure turned into a deep bond with Alaska.

Together Roy and June raised their family enjoying the great Alaskan outdoors, hunting, camping, boating, fishing, and more. Roy coached Little League and throughout his life enjoyed mentoring young people. Roy’s interest in education changed; he became adamant about the importance of education and earned his BS in Business Administration from UAA, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.

In addition to his work in air traffic control, Roy held a real estate license and acquired properties throughout South Central Alaska – including the family’s modest log cabin at Nancy Lake, which would later be replaced with Roy and June’s retirement home.

During their retirement years they relished their home on Nancy Lake, enjoyed traveling, and volunteering. Two strokes in his 60s left Roy partially paralyzed and needing to use a wheelchair. While he was disabled, he was not disengaged. He and June supported many community events and efforts, and Roy was often seen in parades, waving signs in support of favorite candidates and selling raffle tickets. He was active in a number of outdoor organizations, including the Alaska Outdoor Council and Safari Club International, and fought hard to ensure Alaskans retained their hunting and public land access rights. He worked diligently to support active troops and veterans, especially to further recognition and benefits for Korean War Veterans. In 2005 he was awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal honoring those who served during the tumultuous period following the Korean War.

In 2014 he married Joy Lynch and was grateful for her care and companionship during the last chapters of his life. He often recounted a fascinating cruise they took together through the Panama Canal and many road trips throughout the Western and Southwestern United States.

Roy is survived by his wife Joy, daughter Sherri Burkhart Reddick, son and daughter-in-law Blase and Brenda Burkhart, granddaughters Mariah Reddick and Jennifer Burkhart, and many cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth June Burkhart, grandson Jerry Burkhart, and son-in-law Chuck Reddick.

Roy frequently pronounced, “I’ve had a good life.” For all of you who contributed to that good life through your acts of kindness and support, he appreciated you, and his family is deeply grateful for the assistance, care, and respect you gave him.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the VFW Susitna Post 9365 (301 East Lakeview Ave., Wasilla, AK 99654) or the Alaska Chapter Safari Club International (www.aksafariclub.org).

It was Roy’s wish that his remains be cremated and interred at the National Cemetery at Fort Richardson which he and June chose as their final resting place.

A committal service will be held at the National Cemetery in May. Friends and family will be notified regarding future online viewing of the service.