Harry Burgess

Harry went to the Lord, peacefully, on August 4, 2023.  Born, Harry Charles Burgess, Jr, on September 26, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Mr. Harry CharlesBurgess, Sr. and Edna Dick Burgess. Harry had one younger brother, Robert, deceased.

Harry grew up in privilege, during his early years.  However, when the depression hit, his father, who owned a car dealership, lost everything. The familythen moved to Maine, where they ran a restaurant in a small town.  

When Harry turned 17 years old, he joined the ArmyAir Force.   He served in Panama, during the end of WWII. Harry also served in the Korean conflict.

After the military Harry used his GI bill to educate himself.  He attended Texas A&M, in Austin, Texas, Syracuse University in New York, and George Washington University in Washington D.C, for his doctorate in law.  When he was in Syracuse he met Alice Bastain, who would become his wife.  They had 4 children:  daughters, Stephanie Brown, Debra Destin,and son Mark Burgess, all of Santa Cruz, CA. Harry’s daughter, Kimberly Burgess, of Idaho, proceeded him in death.   Grandchildren: Rachel Smith and husbandScott, Michael Clancy and his wife Emily, and Madison Burgess. Great Grandchildren:  Easton and Jaiden Smith.

Harry was employed by the General Electric Corporation for 37 years.  During this time Harry moved his family throughout the United States, living in Vermont, Virginia, and Ohio.  Harry traveled all over the world as a patent attorney and an In-House counsel for GE.

In 1984 he married Patricia Cardoza.  Harry’s familyexpanded with their marriage, which included Patricia’s daughter, Michelle Whitendale-Voght, and her husband Brian, of Lonsdale, Minnesota and her granddaughter, Alexandra Freeman, of Austin, Texasand grandson, Tyler Freeman, of Northfield, Minnesota.

They made their home in Soquel, CA.  Patricia pursued a nursing career, while Harry continued working at GE in San Jose, CA.  They continued to live in Soquel, until Harry’s retirement from GE in 1993.  They then moved to Exeter, CA. Harry enjoyed woodworking and special projects of his own.  After a short time, Harry decided to take a teaching position at San Joaquin Valley College where he taught Sociology and Philosophy for 14 years.

In addition, Harry pursued many civic activities, such as, Lions Club and World Ag Expo.  It was at these activities that Harry met his weekly coffee buddies. 

Harry and Patricia enjoyed traveling and visited many places, including Russia, Czech Republic, China,Germany, France, Portugal, Spain and their favorite, the Azore Islands.  They also enjoyed short trips to their time share locations in

in San Francisco, Mexico, and Palm Springs.

Harry had many passions, including cars.  At one time owning vintage vehicles, such as, 1969 Jaquar and 1984 Mercedes Benz, 460 XL. And, of course, owning the latest model in the Ford line.  

Harry was also an avid reader and acquired an extensive library of his own, ranging from poetry toaviation and WWII novels.

Harry was a very intelligent, interesting, and very inquisitive person.  He would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, regardless of their background.  Harry was one of a kind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., onSaturday, September 30, 2023, at Smith Family Chapel, 505 E Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221.

The family wants to extend special thanks to Kaweah Hospice and the Tulare Nursing and Rehab Facility.  

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations totheir favorite Veterans Charity or Hospice.

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