August 16, 1947 - October 2, 2024
Rich was born August 16, 1947 in Spokane Washington. He was the 2nd oldest of Ruth and Wayne (Gordon) Burnett’s 9 children. Except for a couple of years spent in Walla Walla, Washington, Rich spent his childhood in the Spokane Valley. The family moved up on Pleasant Prairie in 1962.
He graduated from West Valley High School in 1965. He went on to graduate from Northwest Nazarene College (now University), with a degree in physics. During this time he served an Internship at Hanford. He later earned a Masters degree from the University of Washington. After a brief career at Boeing, he purchased an interest in the College Inn in Seattle.
Rich moved back to Spokane in the early 1980’s and worked the land on Pleasant Prairie purchased by his grandparents in the 1930’s. Until recently, he carried on the custom rotovating business started by his grandfather. He also remained a partner and was involved in the operations of the College Inn.
Rich had a brilliant mind, he was caring, kind, generous and wise. He also had a great sense of humor, and always had a twinkle in his eyes. He was loved and respected by so many people in varied walks of life.
We will miss his wit and wisdom. But most of all we will miss the presence of Rich Burnett in our lives!
Rich is survived by his brothers -John (Peggy) of Hermiston OR, David, Loren (Dana), Dean (Carrie) and Gary all of Spokane, and John (Babette) of Gilbert AZ, and by his sister Nancy, also of Spokane.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Wayne Burnett, his sister Barbara and sister-in-law Aiko.
A Memorial Service for Rich will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday October 26th at CenterPlace Regional Event Center – 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley WA.
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