Richard Gordon Burgess

Richard Gordon Burgess, age 72, of Gunnison, UT passed away May 8, 2019 in Yakima Washington while traveling to see family and friends due to complications of COPD. He was born July 22, 1946 at St. Josephs Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington. On March 31st,1964; at 17, he joined the United States Marine Corp. going through boot camp at Marine Corp Recruit Depot and later graduating from 2nd initial training regiment July 25, 1964 from Camp Pendleton. He volunteered for the conflict in Vietnam in the fall of 1965, joining 3rd. Bn., 4th. Marines in January, 1966 and arriving in Vietnam in March, 1966. On September 25, 1966 he was capture by the North Vietnamese while serving as point man on a search and destroy mission as part of Operation Prairie 1. He spent 6 ½ years as a POW and was released March 25, 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming. He was retired as a Staff Sargent Jan. 1, 1975. After returning home he resided in Yakima, WA for several years; later moving to Utah, eventually living in Richfield where he resided for many years. While living in Richfield he was known for his love of muscle cars especially his 1969 GTO Judge. He spent many hours helping anyone that needed help with their car, either getting it running or helping to detail for the upcoming car show. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for his kind heart and sense of humor. In his later years he struggled with many health issues caused by the after effects of his POW years. He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Doris and his sister in law Leta. He is survived by his 3 siblings Terry, George, and Kathy along with his five children Nathaniel (Samantha), Danielle, Christopher (Esther) ,Gabrielle, and James. Also his five grandchildren that he loved and cherished until the end. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday May 17, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 815 North Highway 118 in Central Valley, Utah, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. A military service will be held at a later date at the VA Cemetery near Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Utah.