Obituaries

True Richard Burkeman

Obituary

True Richard Burkeman was born March 20, 1940 in Minneapolis, MN to Axel and Izola Burkeman. He was the 3rd in line of 5 children including Walter, Ellen, Phyllis and Izola.

 

In 1946 the family moved to Becker, MN, then in 1947 to Independence, IA until the family moved to Los Angeles in 1953. True graduated from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA in 1958. 

 

He saw Beverley Kay Testerman at a bus stop near the service station he worked at and made up his mind to meet her. He offered her a ride to work and eventually on March 28, 1960 they were married. Together they started a family, True working for his father at the service station, then venturing out on his own in Oakview, CA where he purchased a service station, then realized a dream with B & D Automotive mechanic shop. He was much more than just about fixing vehicles, his benevolent spirit was felt by all.

 

It was in Oakview where his life would take a dramatic turn when he responded to the call to salvation during a service at the Lighthouse Church, repented of his sin and committed his life to Jesus Christ. His genuine nature epitomized his name, and with a life in Christ he discovered the clear source of the convictions he lived by.

 

In 1989 True sold B & D and the family moved to Elmira, OR, purchasing a station in Eugene. Later moved to Springfield and in 2000 True & Bev moved to Garden Grove, CA. In 2008 they fully retired and moved to WA to live with their daughter, Lisa, and family.

 

Just this March of 2023 they moved to Junction City, OR to be near their daughter and son, Deedee and Chris and their families, as well as joining residence with Bev’s brother Reg Testerman and his son, Klint.

 

After an unexpected health crisis he passed away on June 6, 2023 at a facility in Springfield.

 

True loved the farm, sports, everything automotive and as many memories and stories that he could write down or retell. He wrote stories and had hoped to write a book. He liked to make people laugh, the king of the dad jokes, often off topic. 

He loved Bev and his family fiercely, dedicated to doing all he could to provide and pour out love. He had passionate interest in his heritage, drawing significance from his lineage. His laugh was like a boyish chuckle and the sparkle in his eyes will be deeply missed by family and friends.

 

True is survived by his beloved wife, Beverley; daughters, Deedre (Mike) and Lisa (Paul); son, Christopher (Renee). Grandchildren Andrew, Jeremy, Zachary, Chloe, Keegan, Karlton, Hadley, Pearl, Sophie, and Beverley; and several great-grandchildren all the apple of his eye. He was preceded in death by parents Axel and Izola Burkeman; his mother-in-law Pearl Testerman; his son Gary; his daughter Jeanine and grandson Mark.

 

A graveside Service will be held Friday, June 23rd, 2:00 PM at Springfield Memorial Gardens in Springfield, OR with memorial reception following at Berean Assembly of God.