Roy Burkhart

Mar 13, 1938 -

Feb 28, 2021

Longtime Alaskan Roy John Burkhart, 82, died in his Palmer, Alaska, home on Feb. 28, 2021, with his wife Joy at his side.

Born on March 13, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Roy Joseph Burkhart and Helen (Burkhart) Campbell, young Roy grew up in a small coal mining town. After convincing his mother to sign an early age waiver, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force two weeks after turning 17. He was trained as an air traffic controller and was stationed in Korea during the turbulent period directly following the Korean War. His years in the service were formative to many significant things in his life, particularly his commitment to advocate for veterans.

Roy met June Blair in 1957 on a blind date while stationed at a radar site in Mt. Hebo, Ore. They married in November that year and spent the next 55 years together until June succumbed to cancer in 2012. Daughter Sherri and son Blase entered their lives early in their marriage. After discharging from the Air Force, Roy accepted a position with the FAA and was transferred to far-off Anchorage for a two-year contract. Roy arrived in 1960, and June and the toddlers arrived in 1961. What started as a two-year adventure turned into a deep bond with Alaska.

Together Roy and June raised their family enjoying the great Alaska outdoors, hunting, camping, boating, fishing and more. Roy coached Little League and throughout his life enjoyed mentoring young people. Roy's interest in education changed; he became adamant about the importance of education and earned his BS in Business Administration from UAA, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.

In addition to his work in air traffic control, Roy held a real estate license and acquired properties throughout Southcentral Alaska – including the family's modest log cabin at Nancy Lake which would later be replaced with Roy and June's retirement home.

Two strokes in his 60s left Roy partially paralyzed and needing to use a wheelchair. While he was disabled, he was not disengaged. He and June supported many community events and efforts, and Roy was often seen in parades, waving signs in support of favorite candidates or selling raffle tickets. He was active in many outdoor organizations, including the Alaska Outdoor Council and Safari Club International. He worked diligently to support active troops and veterans, especially to further recognition and benefits for Korean War Veterans. In 2005, he was awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal honoring those who served during the tumultuous period following the Korean War.

In 2014, he married Joy Lynch and was grateful for her care and companionship during the last chapters of his life. He often recounted a fascinating cruise they took together through the Panama Canal, and many road trips throughout the Western and Southwestern United States.

Roy is survived by his wife, Joy; daughter, Sherri Burkhart Reddick; son and daughter-in-law, Blase and Brenda Burkhart; granddaughters, Mariah Reddick and Jennifer Burkhart; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth June Burkhart; grandson, Jerry Burkhart; and son-in-law Chuck Reddick.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the VFW Susitna Post 9365, 301 East Lakeview Ave., Wasilla, AK 99654; or the Alaska Chapter Safari Club International, www.aksafariclub.org.

It was Roy's wish that his remains be cremated and interred at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery, which he and June chose as their final resting place.

A committal service will be held at the National Cemetery May 26. Friends and family will be notified regarding future online viewing of the service.