Ketchum, Idaho – Leo George Burkett, M.D., passed from his life on this earth on June 29, 2001, at his home in Ketchum. He leaves behind his sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Fern Board Burkett, six children and their families.
Leo was born March 26, 1920, in Chandler, Oklahoma. He was the son of Flora Miller Burkett and Harry Burkett.
Leo was dedicated to a life-long pursuit of knowledge. After high school, he traveled to California where he attended Modesto City College. During this time, he joined the Air National Guard and became a pilot. Then he attended the University of California (Berkeley) and the University of Southern California. He was in school at USC when the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. He immediately joined the Army Air Corps where he spent five years serving his country, flying B17 “Flying Fortresses” and commanding his squadron during thirty-one missions. He earned numerous meritorious service awards, citations, and commendations.
He married Fern Board of Hailey, Idaho, on December 24, 1942.
Leo then attended the University of Utah where in 1950 he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He interned in Stockton, California, and then he and Fern located to Downey, Idaho, where he practiced medicine for twenty-nine years at the Marsh Valley Hospital. After retiring from his full and busy practice, he continued his dedication to medicine by joining a company that sent him to many parts of the United State where he relieved local physicians. His love for the people in his care was one of the great joys of his life. Dr. Burkett was Physician of the Year for the State of Idaho in 1983. He continued his medical associations throughout his life. Twice he served as President of his local medical society and several times as a delegate to the Idaho Medical Association House of Delegates. Doctor Burkett continued to be a pilot and flew his own Cessna for many years. He occasionally used his plane to fly patients to Salt Lake City when they needed care that only a bigger facility could offer. In June of 2000, he received, from the State of Idaho, an award for being a licensed practicing physician for 50 years.
His passion for learning and his pursuit of knowledge continued throughout his life. He built a cattle and farming operation in Downey, employing many young people. He was awarded Idaho Grassman of the Year in 1963. He also developed a large wheat farm in Montana. After his retirement, he and Fern moved to the Ketchum/Sun Valley Area.
In addition to his wife, Fern, Leo is survived by his loving family: his son, Rox C. Burkett, M.D. (Mary), granddaughters, Ms. Audra Burkett, Ms. Angie Burkett, Ms. Amy Burkett, Mrs. Alaine B. Moulos (Greg), and great-grandsons, Nicolas and Jacob; his daughter, Janet B. Hatch (Bill), granddaughter, Kelly Hatch, grandson, David Hatch (Victoria), and great-grandchildren, Adam and Natalie; his daughter, Gail Burkett, Ph.D.; his daughter, Debra B. Davis (Jim) and grandsons, C.J. Davis and Lee Davis; his son, Timothy L. Burkett; and his daughter, Michele B. Rehermann (Robert). He is also survived by his sister, Vernal, and two of his brothers, Bill Burkett and Bob Burkett.
Services were held on Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Hailey, Idaho. Interment followed in the Hailey Cemetery, under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey, Idaho.