Burke V. Bastian

Vermillion, Utah - Burke Vernal Bastian walked away from his Vermillion home toward Heaven early in the morning on August 15, 2015, at the age of 87. He was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 1996, but lived his normal busy lifestyle on his farm until last November. Beginning in December, Burke began fighting his last battle, which became increasingly difficult as the days and the weeks passed. Even when he was in debilitating pain, he never lost his kind and gentle nature, always thanking anyone who did anything to help him, and he often joked with those who cared for him along the way. With his gentle, unassuming manner, and his indefatigable work ethic, Burke touched everyone who knew him. He treated everyone as an equal and never forgot what it was like to be a child, a trait that delighted his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, because they always had someone to play with, hunt with, fish with, or work with, and all the while listening to Burke’s captivating stories. He never considered himself an especially literate person, but he was a born storyteller and filled the lives of his family and friends with rich stories from the past that sparkled with humor. He was great at making funny faces, too, as he entertained the kids – both little and grown. A devout and faithful member of the LDS Church, Burke served in many callings including: counselor in three different Bishoprics, financial clerk for about 20 years,Sunday School teacher, and as the Young Men’s President at the age of 70. He had an unwavering faith in the gospel, and lived his life with impeccable integrity. The young people who were lucky enough to work with him enjoyed learning the gospel because of his ability to make difficult topics clear, and they loved being with Burke. He was born May 1, 1928 in Vermillion, a son of Vernal and Sadie Payne Bastian. As a boy, he enjoyed trapping muskrats, and he sold the hides and carefully saved his money to purchase his first 20 acres of farm land at age 17. He also enjoyed raising pigeons, and hunting and fishing with his dad. He graduated from Richfield High School, Class of 1946. He served for two years in the Eastern States Mission in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennesee, and served his country in the United States Air Force. He always had a fierce love for his country, the Founding Fathers, and the constitution—a document he knew almost as well as the LDS scriptures he could quote at great length. He served as Mayor of Sigurd Town for 8 years. He also served as Secretary for the Vermillion Irrigation Company for many years. Burke married the love of his life, Irelta Mae Blau, October 15, 1954 in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. She died February 11, 1994. Together they raised six children, each of whom also married in the temple. He is survived by his children: Bonnie and Steven Moore of Logan; Jolene and Ed Robbins of Alton; Bevan Vern and Gay Bastian of Axtell; Eric Douglas and Julie Bastian of Twin Falls, Idaho; Nolan Dee and Vicky Bastian of Sigurd; Tammy and Brent Low of South Jordan; 28 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters and brother: LaRee Balle and Alma Bastian, both of Sigurd; and Sharon Hone of American Fork. Burke’s family would like to especially thank Dane Houston, Sigurd, who has volunteered countless hours to keep the Bastian farm going during Burke’s illness. Their gratitude also goes to Cathy Thalman Blood, who provided Burke with kind and competent hospice care in his final days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernal and Sadie Bastian; his beloved wife, Irelta; and two sisters: Rae Kreutzer and Ruth Bastian. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. in the Sigurd LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the ward chapel in Sigurd, Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the VFW Sevier Post #5050 and the Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard will be in the Vermillion Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.