Burton Blackhurst

Burton Davis Blackhurst, 87, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on Friday April 2, 2010. Burt was born in American Fork, Utah, on January 7, 1923 to Hyrum M. and Amy Davis Blackhurst. He was the second of six children. He was beloved by his siblings and affectionately claimed he raised his sister Janet. He attended South High School in Salt Lake City where he enjoyed playing for his high school football team. He also attended Utah State University in Logan for one year before enlisting in the Naval Air Corp at the commencement of World War II.

Burt served our country during World War II as a naval aviator, catapulting off of battle ships in the South Pacific. During his spare time on the ship, Burt and his shipmates enjoyed boxing rounds with each other, and Burt often emerged victorious. He was present on the U.S.S. Missouri when the war ended and the United States and Japan signed the peace treaty in 1945.

After returning from the war, he worked for Utah Poultry. Later, he went into business for himself raising turkeys, where he displayed a tremendous work ethic. Those he employed never felt like they worked “for” him, rather “with” him. He was a tireless, dedicated worker and instilled a great work ethic in his children. Later in life he successfully ran other businesses, including being President of Lake Distributing, leasing pari-mutuel equipment to tracks in Idaho and across several Western states for over forty years. Burt treated his employees with respect, and will be remembered as upbeat by those who worked with him.

He married Gloria Glauser on October 25, 1944, in the Salt Lake City Temple. To this union four children were born: Ronald, Sharon, Becky and Jeffrey. They later divorced. He married Virginia Norton and two sons were born of this union: Scott and Charles (Chuck). They later divorced. On August 26, 1965 he married Viva Harris and became a stepfather to Vivian, Allen, Tony and Jeanette.

Burt was a very loving and devoted husband, son, father, stepfather, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved sports, especially football, and encouraged his family to participate in many activities. He was a High Priest in the LDS Church, and loved his Heavenly Father. He had a unique ability to let you know of his love simply by looking at you. He often liked to tease, but you always knew of his deep love and affection. Perhaps his major accomplishments in life were his integrity, loving nature, and great sense of humor.

Burt is survived by his wife, Viva, of Pocatello; children, Ronald (Shawna), Sharon (Phil) Judd, Becky (Mark) Murray, Jeffrey, Scott (Carolyn) and Charles (Emily); stepchildren, Vivian Sheffield, Allen Harris, Tony (Karen) Harris, Jeanette (Craig) Southworth; 36 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sister Janet (Keith) Romney, brother Jonathan Blackhurst; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hyrum and Amy, brothers Richard, Stanley, and Stephen, granddaughter Elizabeth and grandsons Kiley and Adam.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 10th, at the Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho. There will be a viewing prior to services from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.

He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all. Burt's children would like to thank Viva for the never-ending, loving care she gave Dad these last years. She is the ultimate angel!

Service information can be accessed by clicking the "Service Schedule" tab above.