Colin Peter Burkhardt

He was born on October 1, 1943, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Peter Paul and Edna Arvilla (Lee) Burkhardt. Colin spent his early years attending a one-room country school, Ada #2, through the 8th grade, and graduated from Guelph High School in 1961 in a class of ten. He went on to study at North Dakota State College of Science, earning his associate degree, and later graduated in 1965 from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks with a degree in Marketing.

On June 13, 1965, Colin married the love of his life, Sharon Elaine Visto. They shared 60 wonderful years together. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Butte, Montana, where Colin began his career as an assistant manager for F.W. Woolworth.

In January 1966, Colin was drafted into the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and supply training in Aberdeen, Maryland. He was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, where he served in personnel and later in finance, achieving the rank of E-5. During his military service, he had the opportunity to travel to 26 countries across Europe. Colin received an honorable discharge and returned to the U.S. in December 1968.

Following his military service, Colin resumed his work with F.W. Woolworth in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was later transferred to Northglenn, Colorado. He transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, working for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals, which led the family to San Francisco in 1980. He also worked for A.H. Robbins and Tom’s of Maine.

In 1988, Colin found his dream job as a small business owner when he purchased a True Value Hardware Store in Winters, California. In 1995, he acquired an Ace Hardware store in Arlington, Oregon, where he continued to serve his community with dedication.

A man of strong faith and community involvement, Colin was baptized at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church near Guelph, North Dakota, and confirmed at the University of North Dakota Missouri Synod Chapel. He served as President of Benicia Lutheran Church in California and Vice President of Eternal Life Church in Mesa, Arizona. He was an active member of the Lions Club in both Benicia and Arlington, the American Legion in Ione, Oregon, and served as President of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

After retiring in 1998, Colin and Sharon continued to travel and explore. He visited 49 U.S. states—including Alaska twice—as well as nine Canadian provinces, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal. He enjoyed many hobbies, including lapidary, woodworking, and gardening.

Colin is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his children, Christiane and her spouse, Rey Washington of Roseville, California, and Mark, and his spouse, Wendy Burkhardt of Mesquite, Nevada; and four cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Kelsie, Aeron, and Matthew. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Edna; his brothers, Roger, Raymond, and Doyle; his sisters, Wilma Raugutt and Evelyn Telin; his brothers-in-law, Jack Telin, Walter Raugutt, Bruce Elsner, and Erwin Visto; his nephew, Jeffrey Visto; and his niece, Jackie Telin.

Colin will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, faith, and community, and for the adventurous and generous spirit with which he lived his life.

If you would like to donate flowers, please contact:

Ambience Floral

190 Roseville Parkway

Roseville, CA

(916) 786-6851

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