Gene Burkland passed away

[lvsalt]

God Speed,  Gene

[saltwheels262]

condolences to betty, tom and their extended family.

franey

[Dmax65]

To all the Burkland family my deepest condolences. Gene was the one who introduced me to Land Speed Racing back in 1995 at a carshow in Lethbridge, Alberta. After that he always had time to visit with me anytime I stopped by his shop in Great Falls and let me marvel at the wonders he was creating there. He helped shape my life in this sport, as I'm sure he had many others. A truly wonderful man and pure genius and pioneer to our community.....you will be missed by all Gene, Godspeed.

Curtis Halvorson

[Seldom Seen Slim]

A great memory -- Gene and his grandson in the converted Dodge push vehicle, getting Tom off to a running start in the family 'liner.  Both Gene and the boy had HUGE smiles -- and I couldn't help but think of how great it would be to share a thrill like that with my Grandpa. 

Nancy and I send our condolences and thoughts to the Burkland family and crew -- who will all, no doubt, be grieving over Gene's passing.

[fredvance]

My sincerest condolances to Betty and Tom. God speed Gene,RIP.

  Fred

[Seldom Seen Slim]

I just received this and felt it appropriate to share with all of you:


Dear friends:
    Yesterday afternoon, after a very long strugglewith his lung disease, Gene left our world.  He just couldn't breathe any longer.  I believe he is up there wherever old Bonneville racers congregate . . . swapping stories and watching over all of us left down here below.
    Thank you all for the parts you have played in his (& my) life.  He told me a few days ago "It's been a wonderful life . . . skidding to a stop isn't so bad."
            I'll be in touch . . . and will hope see you all at the salt.
                                Betty Burkland

[landsendlynda]

My condolences Betty, Tom, and the rest of the Burkland Family.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers, but mostly you will live in my heart.

Lynda

[McRat]

My condolences to Burklands.  Rest in peace Gene.

[mkilger]

condolences Betty and Tom

[jimmy six]

Even with a pit full of the "big and famous"; Gene, Betty, and Tom always had time to welcome the "little guy" into their pit. . . . I will truly miss my friend......JD

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Here's another email I just received and will post:


To All,
I am sure maybe some of you heard that we lost a very huge hero - we just got a call that Gene Burkland past away early today....... very very devastating. Many thoughts & prayers go out to this fabulous family who have given us so many great memories for many years. Gene will be missed and for sure NOT FORGOTTEN.

God Speed My Dear Friend Gene........

Wishing you all the best throughout the holidays,
Gail & Ron Tesinsky

Gail also sent along this photo taken of Betty and Gene on their 50th wedding anniversary back in early November.

[velocity]

Gene used a welder the way Heifetz used a Stradivarius; what he built, was built very well, something upon which you could rely. Indeed, rest your life upon. I witnessed such a moment when the driveshaft, which ran along the driver's legs and hips, got loose in the 411 streamliner during a World Record attempt. Son Tom got the beast stopped and had a few bruises from the twirling steel beating the life out of a one-inch plate covering it in the cockpit, stretching it and managing to rip slightly like you would a seam in your britches, but the welds held. That, my friends, is a testament of build quality; to have such talent that can provide such strength, such protection to a land speed racing vehicle. A gentle, sincere man, with a ready handshake and smile who loved his wife, his kids, his sport. How wonderfully blessed we were to have known him.  -- LSL

[hotrod]

So sad to hear that news!

God speed and best wishes to the entire family as they deal with this loss!

Larry

[Crazy2ganuu]

God Speed Gene.  You have always been the best of friends and part of our family.  We feel very fortunate to have known and been a part of your world!  You were truly inspirational and a joy to work with.  Sure going to miss the back-cracking-take-the-breath-out-of-you Bear Hugs!  I hope the Salt is pearly white and always smooth in Heaven.  Rest in peace, you deserve it. 

Gary and Leah Stauffer

[DrofRockology]

godspeed, gene!