Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
In the late afternoon on August 17, 2017, our beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend joined his cherished wife in their eternal home with their heavenly father. Burl died in surgery unexpectedly.
Burl Bond Jr. did not mean to make us sad that day. He was a kind, giving, and honest man. Our father would not want us to mourn. So, we celebrate the man we loved and embrace the happy times we all shared with him.
Burl, was born to Anna May and Burl Bond Sr. on March 26, 1937. He arrived in the world in a tiny cabin four miles out of Hood River, Ore.
Burl spent his school days in Hood River, graduating in 1955 as a Blue Dragon. He turned down a basketball scholarship. His school career was highlighted by a last minute two-point score in overtime to win the basketball game. The Blue Dragons were playing their rival The Dalles Indians and, in the final seconds, Burl scored two points to put them in the lead and win the game. His teammates carried him off the court.
In 1952, Burl was driving his car with a friend when a beautiful blond caught his eye. Turning his car around, Burl proceeded to follow the pretty, petite blond who was walking with a friend down the road. Burl asked Sharon Kay out for a date and the rest was history.
Burl married Sharon House, nicknamed “Penny,” on Sept. 28, 1956.
Burl worked heavy construction, moving the young couple all over Oregon and Washington. Burl worked on numerous dams, following each one as they were being constructed. When one job would end, he would move on to the next. After spending 17 years in construction, Burl decided he did not want to move his young family around anymore. He wanted a normal job, where he could be at home at night and his children could attend one school. The Bond family made The Dalles, Ore., their home in the 1960s. Burl worked some odd jobs, but was not content until he found a job that would provide for his family. In 1973 Burl interviewed, and was hired by, United Parcel Service. Burl had an emaculate driving record and work ethic. He never missed work until his son, Kent, was in a state playoff baseball game. Kent was the catcher for the Wahtonka Eagles. The game was at three in the afternoon, a time of day when no UPS driver was off duty. Burl suddenly was feeling “ill” and called in that day.
Burl and Penny, loved the game of baseball. Burl would coach and Penny would keep the score books. He coached his son's Little League teams, and was honored to coach the All Star Teams when asked.
He even continued to coach long after his son's baseball career ended.
He retired from UPS after 23 years of service. He was a proud teamster member. Burl and Penny would spend their time “donating” at area casinos. They loved to travel with their little companion, Maddy, their beloved little dog. They enjoyed trips to Nevada, Arizona and California, where they also included Burl’s older brother Bob.
Burl was able to share in all eight of his grand- children’s high school graduations. He was beyond thrilled to attend three college graduations as well.
In May 2017, three months before his passing, Burl celebrated his 80th birthday on a family cruise to Alaska. Nine family members, including five grandchildren, were on board. Burl would often be seen in the casino late at night playing Texas Hold ‘Em with his two grandsons, Derek, and Zac. Such fond memories were created on that cruise.
Burl was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Penny, who passed away in 2003; brother, Bob, and both of his parents. He mourned the passing of his little dog Maddie, who passed not long after his wife.
It was the last little dog they shared their home with.
Burl is survived by his children; son, Kent Bond (Anna), and daughters Lisa Mabrey, and Kaye Springer (Barry). He leaves behind eight grand children who dearly loved him; Heidi Anderson, Jeff and Jacob Burl Mabrey, Derek, Chelsea, Jessica Bond, Zac and Summer Smith.
Burl also leaves behind his youngest brother Gary Bond; seven great-grand children; and numerous nieces and nephews. Burl had many dear and close friends. He will be deeply missed by June Brown, Eileen Gurley, and Tom and Kay Ashmore.
Burl touched many people in this world. He leaves behind a legacy of love, values, integrity, and, above all else, laughter. He would not want us to linger in sadness, but embrace life and all it has. Burl Bond left this world a much better place than before he arrived. So, when you think of daddy, remember his laugher, love, and envision him in heaven and laughing with Jesus.
We will have a celebration of his life on Sept. 2 from 12-4 p.m. at the Hood River Hotel.
If you would like to donate in his name, please donate to Dogs Of The Gorge, P.O. Box 391 Goldendale, Wash. Dogs were an all time favorite of our father’s.
To plant a tree in memory of Burl Bond, Jr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
