I am opening this blog to anyone who would like to post a picture, a poem, a song, or some meaningful words in memory of my father. I welcome you to post good memories or positive thoughts surrounding any facet of his life in which you were involved or had knowledge of.
Ive known the Burgess family since I was around 8 and always had such a love and admiration for Elder Burgess. I myself have been in and out of the church for years but always looked up to him as like a father figure. I remember alot of days spent with Shannon at his home out in the woods and across the tracks :) He always treated me with love and also was very firm with me. Which I did need.
One of my fondest memories was being baptized by him. I can still picture it. We were at a river and I had to have been around 10 or so. If I am not mistaken, myself and Pastor were baptized at the same time. The river was freezing cold and the whole church was there. Which at that time the church was in Centralia and was small so everyone drove to the river. Anyway....he always treated me like family and I always respected him.
My heart and prayers are with the Burgess family and I love each and everyone of you like you were my family. May God comfort you during your loss and ease your pain.
I came to the church a little over 11 years ago and I had been to church but never had a Pastor before. Elder Burgess was my first Pastor.
I remember when I was hospitalized after almost loosing my youngest daughter. The hospital staff had talked me into ending the pregnancy and so Pastor and Sister Burgess came to pray with me. Just before they left he looked at me and said...."Sister Veronica, its not Gods will for this baby to die. He has great plans ahead for her. He will change things in the morning. The next morning the hospital sent me home cause they don't do those procedures there.
Elder Burgess will always hold a special place in my heart. I wasn't one of his best saints but I appreciate everything he has done for me and my family. Because of his guidance, Joe and I are where we are today. Elder Burgess will live on in my memories and forever in my heart. Until we meet again~ Kim Gaylor
I have never been a person that had ways and words that was flowery and so much has been said over the last few days there is not much more that I could say. But he was a great man of god and a great father. He was always kind but never sugar coated anything for my sake even tho I was his daughter. So I'm what I am today for all his love but also his correction. I love him so much and will always hold him in my heart. My plans are to meet him inside the eastren gates.
Elder Burgess was a man of great integrity and a true man of God. I will always remember all the things he said to me when he gave me personal guidance whether I listened or not. I know he listened to God and was very wise in his advice. He was like the father I didn't have. I didn't always listen and when I didn't the things he said would happen always did. I'm not living for God right now, but because of his passing I have been doing a lot of thinking. Because of my turning my back on God I didn't get to tell him that I love and appreciate him before he went and I am mad at myself. There are a lot of people in the church that I love very much and are the only family (true family) I've ever had. I don't want to be absent again when another one goes through something like this. It's lonely out here, and I know everyone that has ever backslid must feel the same way. I haven't been in church since Pastor Burgess became pastor but I know enough about him to know that he is a good pastor and follows in his dads footsteps. I hear nothing but good about him, and I do inquire. I love the church and the church family and just so everyone knows, something good has come from Elders passing. I will be back. And if Elder Sister Burgess reads this, I love you so much and I want to be there for you. Elder Burgess will always be in my heart and in my mind.
Uncle Glenneth was a man that gave so much of himself to the relationships in his life. He had a unique way of saying "I love you, how are you doing" that always made me FEEL his love and concern. (expecially in the last 2 years of caring for my Father & Mother-in-law). There are many memories that I will carry, but most of all I will remember the certain yell he had when feeling the Holy Ghost and his expressions of concern & encouragement. Redaina
I didn't get the privilege of being around Elder Burgess much, but I was able to wait on him several times, his most often ordered meal at Branks was, the lunch combo, Trail Boss with Ribs and Brisket, Beans and either Coleslaw or Potato Salad. He would always order water {if I remember right, WITHOUT lemon!!} I really enjoyed hearing his stories. He preached/taught at our church's most recent campout, Sept 2011. He told so many awesome stories, some funny and some that would make you cry! I will never forget seeing him about 2 weeks ago, at our church's youth BLAST, he stood up to testify, and even though he clearly wasn't feeling well, he still had a wonderful testimony to share about Jesus! He left such a powerful legacy in this life, and he's now where we all hope to be someday...dancing on the streets of gold. I pray and think about the family everyday. May God give you peace and comfort in this time. ~*Jessica Hughes
I grew up under Elder's guidance. I was 3 when my family came to the Chehalis church. I remember all the many many things he and Sis Burgess did for my family. He always gave. ALWAYS... I left the church when I was 14. I went to CA and had my first child at 17. She was born with a heart defect. She had a very long surgery that she wasnt going to make it out of, at around 1am i called Elder and I asked him to pray for her and I. He prayed and cried with me over the phone. I will never forget his selflessness at that moment. it meant everything to me at that moment. I had nothing else and I only knew to call him after all the time I had been gone. It means even more to me now. Since having married into the Burgess family, I have been so privileged to spend more time with him and Sis Burgess. He made me feel like family. I stood alone at his bed side in the hospital shortly before he passed, I was able to tell him Thank you for ALL he has done for not only my family not here anymore but for my family now. I am blessed to have had him dedicate my brother and sister and I but also my 4 other children. It was and is because of who he was and believed that I came back to WA to this church to start over. He once told me, Lisa, if you would just get on fire and live for God I could go to my grave a happier man.he said it in a funny way, and its been a long hard road I made for myself but I am doing right and I will make it.... I promise, Elder. Thanks again for everything, I LOVE YOU! I will miss your hugs...and Ill see you there!
Elder Burgess was one of the most caring people I have ever known. Even as a teenager I remember him taking the time to sit down with me and talk. I had the privilege of going on a few trips with him and I’ll never forget those times we had together. There's a quote by Benjamin Franklin “No one cares what you know until they know that you care." Elder Burgess was a man that seemed to have infinite wisdom and he cared so much about you that you couldn't help but listen to him. Every mannerism he had and every interaction I had with him, I could see that he cared about me. I believe that a big part of why Elder Burgess was so successful in doing a work for God is because he loved and cared about people, most he cared about even more than they cared about themselves. Elder Burgess set a very high standard in his example of unselfish love. I want to somehow try to follow his example within my own life.
I don't know where to start, but my grandfather was the most honorable man i know. I love him dearly, he has taught each one of us so much in life. The legacy he lived is incredible, He was the most caring, and loving person I know. He was more than just a grandfather, but a pastor when I needed it, a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. My heart is so very sad, but I smile today because he is in the place he has longed so long for. I know without a shadow of a doubt he's looking down and watching over us today. His goal was to run hard for Jesus. Well PawPaw you did, you ran hard, you ran your race, and you never gave up. I love you dearly, I will miss you so very much. My grandfather was not one to put a sugar coat on anything, sometimes that was hard, but looking back today I'am so very grateful. His hugs and I love you's were ever so touching. He was a man after God's own heart, he knew exactly what I needed always. He had a humor that always made you smile, and wonder how can he smile through this. He left that with me today, smile through your pain because it will help you through tomorrow, and you will see and understand why one day. He had a way of preaching not always what people wanted to hear, but what they needed, God had his hand on him everytime. When my grandfather walked in the building you felt God's presence. He had a very great spirit about him. He was thankful for everything, forgiving when no one else would have ever forgiven. Most of all he left this world so much more than we can ever thank him for. Today he is dancing the Streets Of Gold with Jesus, it makes me smile. I love you pawpaw always and forever, your forever in my heart. Never forgotten and cherishing every memory I have of you!!!!!
As I listened to testimony from long time members and relatives given in honor of Elder Burgess, it became obvious to anyone present that this great man had the ability to be your friend and your pastor. Because of the love and caring he shared with you as an individual, one felt truly blessed with assurance that all things would work out for the best. I always considered Elder Burgess possessed all the attributes of a great pastor and that he could inject those qualities into his congregation. Elder Burgess had a personality like no other and used his humor and stories at times to deliver his message. During our last visit with Elder Burgess just before he entered the hospital, he told a joke to all in the room about a three legged chicken that crossed a country road. Thank you Elder for your friendship, humor and counsel. On my country drives I will always be looking for that three legged chicken and thinking of a time when we will be able to drink coffee and fellowship again.
Bro. Glenn was a profound preacher and he always, and I mean always made me laugh. I will really miss him and the way he tied humor into his messages. He was also a very compassionate, thoughtful and caring man. He made sure to send a package to my son John while he was in Iraq fighting a war. He care a great deal for people. Sis. Janeal Campos
I know that you personally have said if there is one thing that you wanted said about you let it be i have fought a good fight and i have kept the faith”, i have heard you say this personally in preaching many times, we love you and miss you, but we will never forget you.
To My Elder, There are so many wonderful memories of you but the things I will really miss and I had such a hard time with on Sunday morning while singing with Vibrant Praise are just the little things. You always loved when we sang 4 days late. You would kick your leg up and say "whoo sing it girls!" Shortly before you got really sick this last time, you came to me and asked us to sing "what's wrong with living right". I'm sorry we never got to. If I could do it over, I would have done it more quickly. Another small thing I will remember was the way you would sit with your leg crossed over the other one and you would laugh with your mouth wide open and when you got to laughing or preaching hard, your hair on the right side of your head, behind your ear would stick straight up. 8) You always took time to come up to me, jason, sky, and payton and wrap your arms around us and say you loved us. One memory I will never. Forget is before I was married, I was going through a very difficult time. Although I was young and some could have just though I was a rebelious teenager...you really cared. I was crying and my heart was just breaking and you came to me and wrapped your arms around me and cried with me and helped me fight through my battle. Because of you and Pastor Shannon Burgess, I am the Mother and Wife and Faithful saint I am today. I am blessed to have had Elder take part in my wedding and both my childrens dedication. I love you very much Elder and I will honor you by living right and raising my children right. We will see you just beyond the gate. Love, Sis Misty...or like you would say....Mitsy
Uncle Glenneth was is and will always be a great person. He preached the truth and stood by what he believed and didn't budge no matter what came his way. I know I have been in and out of church but i know that someday i will see him at the gates of Heaven and walk on the streets of gold with him and tell him all about the things that have happened even though he will already know. I know that he is up there watching over each and everyone of us. We all LOVE and miss you Uncle Glenneth. Eric Ashworth
growing up I did not have the privileges of being raised in truth. I grew up in a very ungodly home and because of that I faced some hard difficulties and issues I had to over come. I was "raised" with the thought process- just believe in God and be a good person and you will go to heaven! Well I do not say this for any other reason than this- Elder and pastor too, was extremely patient with me and loved me through it all. Elder married me, baptized me, and deticated all four of my children. He loved my kids! My oldiest who is eight loved elder Burgess a lot...Elder would always say...Kolby...you come give me a hug! And kolby would run and wrap his arms around him...elder would say I sure love you! Kolby also loved "sharing" diet coke with elder...he'd walk up to kolby in say come on kolby lets go share a coke! I would just smile. I will miss him so much! My kayden when he was about three or four would always have candy...so I asked him where he was getting the money- he said pastor Burgess...I was like uhm- are you asking? With a smile he replied, yeah...Elder loved my family. I will miss him and everything about him! His little yell he did, his kick, and how he said...well praise the Lord and raise both hands straight up! When he would go to end a message...alright I'm closing...then another ten minutes...alright I'm closing...lol his stories...I will truly miss him! love you Elder-
Ive known the Burgess family since I was around 8 and always had such a love and admiration for Elder Burgess. I myself have been in and out of the church for years but always looked up to him as like a father figure. I remember alot of days spent with Shannon at his home out in the woods and across the tracks :) He always treated me with love and also was very firm with me. Which I did need.
ReplyDeleteOne of my fondest memories was being baptized by him. I can still picture it. We were at a river and I had to have been around 10 or so. If I am not mistaken, myself and Pastor were baptized at the same time. The river was freezing cold and the whole church was there. Which at that time the church was in Centralia and was small so everyone drove to the river. Anyway....he always treated me like family and I always respected him.
My heart and prayers are with the Burgess family and I love each and everyone of you like you were my family. May God comfort you during your loss and ease your pain.
I came to the church a little over 11 years ago and I had been to church but never had a Pastor before. Elder Burgess was my first Pastor.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was hospitalized after almost loosing my youngest daughter. The hospital staff had talked me into ending the pregnancy and so Pastor and Sister Burgess came to pray with me. Just before they left he looked at me and said...."Sister Veronica, its not Gods will for this baby to die. He has great plans ahead for her. He will change things in the morning. The next morning the hospital sent me home cause they don't do those procedures there.
Elder Burgess will always hold a special place in my heart. I wasn't one of his best saints but I appreciate everything he has done for me and my family. Because of his guidance, Joe and I are where we are today.
ReplyDeleteElder Burgess will live on in my memories and forever in my heart. Until we meet again~
Kim Gaylor
I have never been a person that had ways and words that was flowery and so much has been said over the last few days there is not much more that I could say. But he was a great man of god and a great father. He was always kind but never sugar coated anything for my sake even tho I was his daughter. So I'm what I am today for all his love but also his correction. I love him so much and will always hold him in my heart. My plans are to meet him inside the eastren gates.
ReplyDeleteElder Burgess was a man of great integrity and a true man of God. I will always remember all the things he said to me when he gave me personal guidance whether I listened or not. I know he listened to God and was very wise in his advice. He was like the father I didn't have. I didn't always listen and when I didn't the things he said would happen always did. I'm not living for God right now, but because of his passing I have been doing a lot of thinking. Because of my turning my back on God I didn't get to tell him that I love and appreciate him before he went and I am mad at myself. There are a lot of people in the church that I love very much and are the only family (true family) I've ever had. I don't want to be absent again when another one goes through something like this. It's lonely out here, and I know everyone that has ever backslid must feel the same way. I haven't been in church since Pastor Burgess became pastor but I know enough about him to know that he is a good pastor and follows in his dads footsteps. I hear nothing but good about him, and I do inquire. I love the church and the church family and just so everyone knows, something good has come from Elders passing. I will be back. And if Elder Sister Burgess reads this, I love you so much and I want to be there for you. Elder Burgess will always be in my heart and in my mind.
ReplyDeleteUncle Glenneth was a man that gave so much of himself to the relationships in his life. He had a unique way of saying "I love you, how are you doing" that always made me FEEL his love and concern. (expecially in the last 2 years of caring for my Father & Mother-in-law). There are many memories that I will carry, but most of all I will remember the certain yell he had when feeling the Holy Ghost and his expressions of concern & encouragement. Redaina
ReplyDeleteI didn't get the privilege of being around Elder Burgess much, but I was able to wait on him several times, his most often ordered meal at Branks was, the lunch combo, Trail Boss with Ribs and Brisket, Beans and either Coleslaw or Potato Salad. He would always order water {if I remember right, WITHOUT lemon!!}
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed hearing his stories. He preached/taught at our church's most recent campout, Sept 2011. He told so many awesome stories, some funny and some that would make you cry!
I will never forget seeing him about 2 weeks ago, at our church's youth BLAST, he stood up to testify, and even though he clearly wasn't feeling well, he still had a wonderful testimony to share about Jesus!
He left such a powerful legacy in this life, and he's now where we all hope to be someday...dancing on the streets of gold.
I pray and think about the family everyday. May God give you peace and comfort in this time.
~*Jessica Hughes
I grew up under Elder's guidance. I was 3 when my family came to the Chehalis church. I remember all the many many things he and Sis Burgess did for my family. He always gave. ALWAYS... I left the church when I was 14. I went to CA and had my first child at 17. She was born with a heart defect. She had a very long surgery that she wasnt going to make it out of, at around 1am i called Elder and I asked him to pray for her and I. He prayed and cried with me over the phone. I will never forget his selflessness at that moment. it meant everything to me at that moment. I had nothing else and I only knew to call him after all the time I had been gone. It means even more to me now. Since having married into the Burgess family, I have been so privileged to spend more time with him and Sis Burgess. He made me feel like family. I stood alone at his bed side in the hospital shortly before he passed, I was able to tell him Thank you for ALL he has done for not only my family not here anymore but for my family now. I am blessed to have had him dedicate my brother and sister and I but also my 4 other children. It was and is because of who he was and believed that I came back to WA to this church to start over. He once told me, Lisa, if you would just get on fire and live for God I could go to my grave a happier man.he said it in a funny way, and its been a long hard road I made for myself but I am doing right and I will make it.... I promise, Elder. Thanks again for everything, I LOVE YOU! I will miss your hugs...and Ill see you there!
ReplyDeleteElder Burgess was one of the most caring people I have ever known. Even as a teenager I remember him taking the time to sit down with me and talk. I had the privilege of going on a few trips with him and I’ll never forget those times we had together.
ReplyDeleteThere's a quote by Benjamin Franklin “No one cares what you know until they know that you care." Elder Burgess was a man that seemed to have infinite wisdom and he cared so much about you that you couldn't help but listen to him. Every mannerism he had and every interaction I had with him, I could see that he cared about me. I believe that a big part of why Elder Burgess was so successful in doing a work for God is because he loved and cared about people, most he cared about even more than they cared about themselves. Elder Burgess set a very high standard in his example of unselfish love. I want to somehow try to follow his example within my own life.
I don't know where to start, but my grandfather was the most honorable man i know. I love him dearly, he has taught each one of us so much in life. The legacy he lived is incredible, He was the most caring, and loving person I know. He was more than just a grandfather, but a pastor when I needed it, a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. My heart is so very sad, but I smile today because he is in the place he has longed so long for. I know without a shadow of a doubt he's looking down and watching over us today. His goal was to run hard for Jesus. Well PawPaw you did, you ran hard, you ran your race, and you never gave up. I love you dearly, I will miss you so very much. My grandfather was not one to put a sugar coat on anything, sometimes that was hard, but looking back today I'am so very grateful. His hugs and I love you's were ever so touching. He was a man after God's own heart, he knew exactly what I needed always. He had a humor that always made you smile, and wonder how can he smile through this. He left that with me today, smile through your pain because it will help you through tomorrow, and you will see and understand why one day. He had a way of preaching not always what people wanted to hear, but what they needed, God had his hand on him everytime. When my grandfather walked in the building you felt God's presence. He had a very great spirit about him. He was thankful for everything, forgiving when no one else would have ever forgiven. Most of all he left this world so much more than we can ever thank him for. Today he is dancing the Streets Of Gold with Jesus, it makes me smile. I love you pawpaw always and forever, your forever in my heart. Never forgotten and cherishing every memory I have of you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs I listened to testimony from long time members and relatives given in honor of Elder Burgess, it became obvious to anyone present that this great man had the ability to be your friend and your pastor. Because of the love and caring he shared with you as an individual, one felt truly blessed with assurance that all things would work out for the best. I always considered Elder Burgess possessed all the attributes of a great pastor and that he could inject those qualities into his congregation. Elder Burgess had a personality like no other and used his humor and stories at times to deliver his message. During our last visit with Elder Burgess just before he entered the hospital, he told a joke to all in the room about a three legged chicken that crossed a country road. Thank you Elder for your friendship, humor and counsel. On my country drives I will always be looking for that three legged chicken and thinking of a time when we will be able to drink coffee and fellowship again.
ReplyDeleteBro. Glenn was a profound preacher and he always, and I mean always made me laugh. I will really miss him and the way he tied humor into his messages. He was also a very compassionate, thoughtful and caring man. He made sure to send a package to my son John while he was in Iraq fighting a war. He care a great deal for people.
ReplyDeleteSis. Janeal Campos
I know that you personally have said if there is one thing that you wanted said about you let it be i have fought a good fight and i have kept the faith”, i have heard you say this personally in preaching many times, we love you and miss you, but we will never forget you.
ReplyDeleteTo My Elder,
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful memories of you but the things I will really miss and I had such a hard time with on Sunday morning while singing with Vibrant Praise are just the little things. You always loved when we sang 4 days late. You would kick your leg up and say "whoo sing it girls!" Shortly before you got really sick this last time, you came to me and asked us to sing "what's wrong with living right". I'm sorry we never got to. If I could do it over, I would have done it more quickly.
Another small thing I will remember was the way you would sit with your leg crossed over the other one and you would laugh with your mouth wide open and when you got to laughing or preaching hard, your hair on the right side of your head, behind your ear would stick straight up. 8)
You always took time to come up to me, jason, sky, and payton and wrap your arms around us and say you loved us.
One memory I will never. Forget is before I was married, I was going through a very difficult time. Although I was young and some could have just though I was a rebelious teenager...you really cared. I was crying and my heart was just breaking and you came to me and wrapped your arms around me and cried with me and helped me fight through my battle. Because of you and Pastor Shannon Burgess, I am the Mother and Wife and Faithful saint I am today.
I am blessed to have had Elder take part in my wedding and both my childrens dedication. I love you very much Elder and I will honor you by living right and raising my children right. We will see you just beyond the gate.
Love,
Sis Misty...or like you would say....Mitsy
Uncle Glenneth was is and will always be a great person. He preached the truth and stood by what he believed and didn't budge no matter what came his way. I know I have been in and out of church but i know that someday i will see him at the gates of Heaven and walk on the streets of gold with him and tell him all about the things that have happened even though he will already know. I know that he is up there watching over each and everyone of us. We all LOVE and miss you Uncle Glenneth.
ReplyDeleteEric Ashworth
growing up I did not have the privileges of being raised in truth. I grew up in a very ungodly home and because of that I faced some hard difficulties and issues I had to over come. I was "raised" with the thought process- just believe in God and be a good person and you will go to heaven! Well I do not say this for any other reason than this- Elder and pastor too, was extremely patient with me and loved me through it all. Elder married me, baptized me, and deticated all four of my children. He loved my kids! My oldiest who is eight loved elder Burgess a lot...Elder would always say...Kolby...you come give me a hug! And kolby would run and wrap his arms around him...elder would say I sure love you! Kolby also loved "sharing" diet coke with elder...he'd walk up to kolby in say come on kolby lets go share a coke! I would just smile. I will miss him so much! My kayden when he was about three or four would always have candy...so I asked him where he was getting the money- he said pastor Burgess...I was like uhm- are you asking? With a smile he replied, yeah...Elder loved my family. I will miss him and everything about him! His little yell he did, his kick, and how he said...well praise the Lord and raise both hands straight up! When he would go to end a message...alright I'm closing...then another ten minutes...alright I'm closing...lol his stories...I will truly miss him!
ReplyDeletelove you Elder-