Mack R. Burleson, 74, a longtime Clear Lake area resident, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 9, 2008.
Mack was born on May 27, 1934 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, the son of Robert & Lula Jones Burleson. He made his home in North Carolina until 1943 when the family moved to Skagit County, settling in Clear Lake. He attended grade school and high school in Sedro-Woolley.
On December 6, 1952 Mack was united in marriage to Patricia Rayfield in Sedro-Woolley.
Mack worked locally in the logging industry for several years and in other communities until moving to Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula in 1965 where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the construction field for 20 years.
He and his family returned to the Clear Lake area in 1985 and Mack supervised the woodshop at the Portal facility in Sedro-Woolley until his retirement.
He enjoyed deer and elk hunting and going fishing, but music was his love. He was an accomplished guitar and dobro player, often playing with members of the Old Time Fiddlers and the Blue Grass Association, of which he was a longtime member. He turned his basement into a music room and many hours were spent there playing music with family and friends.
Mack is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Patty at the family home in Clear Lake. His daughter, Brenda Sue Johnson of Snohomish. His sons, Robert Mack Burleson and his wife, Lila of Grand Junction, Colorado and Jeremy Wade Burleson and his wife, Karen of Clear Lake. Three grandchildren, Saraya Burleson, Klayton Burleson-Waldron and his wife Magan and Natessa McIntyre.
A sister, Elsie Fladebo and her husband, Tom of Burlington and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Velta Johnson and a half-brother, James Jones.
Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology at United General Hospital or to Skagit Hospice.
The Burleson family wish to acknowledge Dr. Bruce Mathey and his staff and the staff of Skagit Hospice for their loving care.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. at the Clear Lake Cemetery. A fellowship will follow services at the Clear Lake I.O.O.F. Hall.
Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.