Walter Jan Burfitt
December 2, 1946 – October 24, 2024

Walter Jan Burfitt

December 2, 1946–October 24, 2024

Walter Jan Burfitt, age 77, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024 in Lava Hot Springs, ID. Though his departure was unexpected, the vibrant legacy of love, laughter, and connection he leaves behind will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Walt was born on December 2, 1946 to Clarence “Ike” and Maxine Rearick in Hillsboro, Oregon. As a young child, he was adopted into the family of Walter and Selma Burfitt of Lynwood, Washington. Walt’s adventurous spirit flourished as he spent his formative years exploring the lush forests and stunning shores of Puget Sound, all just steps beyond his childhood home. Walt grew up with a deep desire to connect and learn from others, and to serve all who crossed his path—the world was there for him to leave an imprint of love and kindness. What an imprint he left.

He committed to a life of service that began with a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Western States Mission. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to form multiple businesses, including Walt’s Well Service, Specialty Services, and Homework remodeling company among others. He also worked as a transport driver for Roadway Express and an instructor for the Uintah Basin Applied Technical College.

Walt loved the people who crossed his path throughout his professional life. Whether he found himself in front of a colleague, a client, or a student, he embraced the opportunity not just to impart professional skills, but also to teach valuable life skills. He encouraged others on their own career and life paths, whilst sharing the values he held dear to his heart. He epitomized the role of mentor.

But, the most important role to Walt was that of a family man.

In 1971, he married Dana Loy Shiner of Vernal, Utah, and together they welcomed five children, Erik, Clint, Ann, Nick, and Dave and later six grandchildren. Walter adored his children and grandchildren, in whom he instilled how to work hard, be a loyal friend, help others to laugh, and find the fun in life. His example taught them to find happiness in helping others, especially the underdog. In a culmination of life events, he showed them that it is ultimately possible to rebound from life-altering challenges. Walt inspired his children with a joyful way of navigating the world.

In 2009, he married his sweetheart Marianne Lunt, with whom he shared nearly 15 more joyful years, further expanding his family with many step-children and step-grandchildren. He loved them all as if they were his own.

Anybody who had the joy of meeting Walt felt heard, valued, and loved. He had a remarkable capacity for genuine connection, drawing people to him wherever he went. He was often found in the hardware store parking lot or sitting at a restaurant listening intently to someone sharing their stories and hardships with him. Even complete strangers felt less pain after interacting with him—he was gifted with a healing presence that somehow made people’s burdens feel a little bit easier to carry. Walt embodied the spirit of Christ’s love and compassion.

Walt was also gifted with an incredible flair for storytelling, often with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that entertained his children and later his six grandchildren, who he loved to gather together. He was so incredibly proud of and full of love for them all. He appreciated every precious moment spent with them, for he understood the finite commodity of time and the importance of creating memories with those he loved.

In many ways, Walt’s final chapter of life was the most beautiful, surrounded by a large family and close friendships. He was renting out his mountain home, which gave him untold opportunities to connect with a constant flow of guests with whom he could share their life journeys. He and Marianne were living out their quieter years there and the mountain home became the gathering place for their children and grandchildren that had always been Walt’s lifelong dream.

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Walt is survived by his wife Marianne. Children: Erik (Joshlin), Clint (Linda), Ann (Scott), and Dave. Step-children: Paul (Tasha), Tricia, Evan (Sarah), Kyle (Darah), and Brianne (Brian). Grandchildren: Abigail, Madeline, Ethan, Avery, James, and Luke; Step-grandchildren: Austin, Brock, Addison, Carson, Maddelyn, Natalie, Eli, Amy, Julia, Claire, Cooper, Hannah, Taylor, and Beckham. He is also survived by his brother Don and three sisters Sandra (Dale), Karen (John), and Sharon (John). He is preceded in death by his son Nick, his parents Walter and Selma, and Clarence and Maxine, and step son-in-law Derek.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the Lava Hot Springs Ward Chapel, 437 West Spg (N 5th W), Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Visitation will be prior to the funeral on Friday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment immediately following in the Norton Cemetery in McCammon, Idaho.

In the spirit of his love for life, we invite all who knew him to remember his laughter, his stories, and the Christlike compassion he shared. Walt truly brightened the lives of those around him, and his legacy of love and connection will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food pantry.