Burbidge, John Leslie age 91 of Edina, known to all as Jack, passed away July 21 with family by his side. With his death the world has lost a kind, witty, intelligent soul who loved his family above all. Jack was born April 8, 1932, in Minot, North Dakota, to Robert Orton and Mabelle Duncan Burbidge. His early memories included living on a farm along the Mouse River. Eventually the family relocated to Minot and moved into the back of his grandparents' grocery store as a means to survive the Depression. When Jack was five the family moved to Stanley, a place he came to consider his hometown. As a young man Jack worked in a butcher shop and spent summers on a railroad section gang. He played baseball and basketball, sang in the school choir, and played trumpet in the band. After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class in Stanley, he attended the University of North Dakota and received his degree in 1954. He enlisted in the Army and spent a year stationed in East Africa, decoding Russian military transmissions coming from Moscow. In his free time he enjoyed exploring the continent and even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Following his discharge he met his future wife and love of his life, Nancy Shelley, also from North Dakota. Jack and Nancy were married on April 12, 1958, and spent 57 wonderful years together. They had a common interest in travel and visited 49 countries. They also loved to attend movies, plays, and art openings, and were a fixture on the Minneapolis art scene for many years. Jack attended law school at the University of Minnesota and spent most of his career working for IDS/American Express, finishing as Vice President of Government Relations. Upon retirement he spent several years in Ukraine as a volunteer for the International Executive Service Corps, helping former Soviet republics become independent of Russia. He and Nancy also volunteered for the Godchild Project in Guatemala and served on the board of directors. Through their travels Jack and Nancy developed a deep affection for Mexico and spent 15 winters in Puerto Vallarta and San Migel Allende. Two years after Nancy passed in 2015, Jack reunited with high-school classmate Carol Thompson Lounsberry. They became dear companions, spending winters in Arizona and taking several trips together. Carol passed in June 2023. Jack and Nancy's children are left with many fond memories of family life. The cabin on Lake Hubert in particular was a special place where the family gathered for more than 40 years, and the kids are grateful their dad was able to spend several weeks there this summer, cared for by his children and visited by all his grandchildren. His kind and patient nature, intelligent mind, and keen sense of humor are what made him a wonderful father and friend. He always said family was the most important part of his life, and he led by example until the end. Jack leaves behind his four children: Steve, Susan Tsakakis, John (Claire O'Connell), and David (Jan Waterhouse); as well as ten beloved grandchildren: Kevin (Kathleen), Andy (Marney), Jack (Sophie), Elena Tsakakis, Anna Tsakakis, Josh, Ryan, Eva, Catherine, and Juliette; and one great-grandchild, Baker. Also important to Jack's family were Ann Overbye Burbidge, Tony Tsakakis, Mike Barnard, Lindsay Hoffman, Miles Death, and Eli Hammersten. He is survived by his brother Jim (Jeanne) and sister Jean Scott (Harold), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Nancy. The family wishes to thank the kind professionals at Grace Angels, Accent Healthcare, and Lakewood Health who helped take care of Jack in his final weeks. Rest in peace, Dad. We love you. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.

Published on August 6, 2023