Kevin L. Burke

A gifted mechanic and loving husband and father, Kevin Burke crossed over on November 10, 2021, age 66, taken from this life by cancer after gratefully living 32 years in remission.

Raised in the car culture of mid-century Southern California, Kevin had a need for speed. His passion was kickstarted at thirteen when he was offered a broken-down motorcycle and told, “It’s yours, if you can get it running,” That led to a lifetime of tinkering, racing, and mechanics.

His skill on the motocross track earned him the attention of sponsors, first riding for Bultaco. After graduating from Damien High School, he was picked up by Yamaha, and continued racing while a student-athlete at Mt. San Antonio College. He raced Barstow to Vegas, Baja 500, and won many races at California’s most famous tracks in the 1970s. Riding remained his sport for more than 50 years.

Kevin’s thirst for speed wasn’t limited to two wheels, it included speed boats and a series of fast cars. When he and his co-conspirators told tales of excessive speeds and eluding law enforcement, it was the stuff of legends. Suffice it to say, Kevin saw SoCal highways as more of a sporting ground than a means of transportation.

Kevin enjoyed the outdoors year-round, developing strong skills as a Boy Scout climbing California’s highest peaks, backpacking the John Muir Trail, and working summers at Camp Cherry Valley. He earned the Order of the Arrow, which recognizes those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, carry on scouting traditions and leadership, and provide service to others. Kevin lived by those ideals his entire life.

Professionally, he translated his mechanical talents into a 35-year career as a sought-after Elevator Mechanic and Troubleshooter working in the Los Angeles and Albuquerque union locals. He was the guy who figured out the solutions to problems that the engineers swore couldn’t possibly be happening, yet somehow were. Kevin was a patient teacher and helped many in his trade grow their skills.

Later in life, Kevin enjoyed radio-controlled cars and building model railroads in N and HO scales. When time permitted, he enjoyed off-roading in Sedona, and family visits to Pagosa Springs--two places where his spirit felt free.

To his friends, Kevin was a loyal, fun-loving person with more than a bit of wild side. To his family, Kevin was a caring, easy-going husband and proud father who loved teaching his daughters to ride dirt bikes, play sports, camp, and build their own appreciation for speed. As a doting grandfather, his grandsons brought him great joy. Kevin enjoyed traveling and adventures with his wife, who often roped him willingly into many community volunteer activities.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Gladys. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda, their four daughters Ashley, Amanda, Brandyn, and Jennifer, two grandsons Domonic and Brayden, and his sister Vicki.