Billy Burt, 95, of Lopez Island, passed away on Nov. 1, 2020, at Peace Health Hospital in Bellingham, Washington. He was born on July 20, 1925, in Friday Harbor, the son of Ray and May Elizabeth (Greenwood) Burt. He was brought to Lopez Island just one week after his birth where his parents were second generation homesteaders.

Perhaps you have heard it said, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.” During his 95 years on earth, Billy Burt has certainly been carved into the hearts of the many people who knew and loved him. Billy loved to tell stories, and he would entertain his children and grandchildren of days gone by. His stories will live on in the memories of his family.

His father was a fisherman and would often be working in Alaska for months at a time. Billy would help his mother on the farm and remembered how well his family ate during the depression with all of their homegrown food.

Billy married Louella LeBarron in 1951 and they had two children, Donald and Kay. In 1962, they made their home in Ferndale, Washington, where Billy worked both as a farmer and butcher. Billy and Louella divorced in 1975 and Billy returned to Lopez Island, where he married Sharlene in 1984, and made their home at his cabin overlooking Davis Bay. He spent the remainder of his life here until he retired, when they became ‘snowbirds’, spending the winters in Wickenburg, Arizona.

He loved the ocean and even spent some summers purse seining in Alaska with his friends Gene Higgins. While home, he loved to tinker in his shop and almost never missed out on watching a good western. He was a loving husband and an amazing father and grandpa. His grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great greatgrandchildren adored him.

On Nov. 1, 2020, Billy departed earth and was reunited in heaven with many of his family members and his best friends Gene, Zane and Phil. He leaves behind a grieving family who will forever miss him. Per his wishes, he will be laid to rest in the Lopez Union Cemetery, with his parents, grandparents, and other “old timers.” He led his family by example and there is no doubt that his legacy has been etched into the hearts and minds of his surviving family members.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Charles and Burnell. He is survived by his spouse Sharlene; his children Don Sr., (Nella) Burt of Lopez Island, and Kay (Ken Hills) of Wasilla, Alaska; step children Teri (Larry Auldridge) of Dallas, Texas, and Randy Schnee of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren Don Jr., (LeAnne), James (Summer), Rodney Burt, and Trisha (Stan Arnott), all of Lopez Island, Billy Weatherby, Sam (Diana) Weatherby and Kirstin Hills of Alaska; step-grandchildren Crystal (Kevin) and Cassie (Chris); numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother Robert (Vivian) Burt of Lynnwood, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held for Billy on Lopez Island on Nov. 6, 2020.

To share memories of Billy, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com.