Howard James Burnside, 93, died November 17, 2017 in Yakima, Washington. Howard was born June 7, 1924 in DuBois, Idaho. When he was four years old, his father died leaving his mother to support three young boys. She eventually remarried and had five more children. In 1939, Howard’s stepfather moved the family to California where they worked in the fields for a year before moving to North Bend and then Carnation, Washington.

At age 19, Howard enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS New Mexico. He served as an anti-aircraft gunner in 14 battles in the Pacific Theater. During one of those battles, the New Mexico was hit by a bomb and later the same day by a kamikaze. Howard received a Purple Heart as the result of his injuries. He also received the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and a Bronze Star.

After his discharge from the Navy, Howard returned to Seattle where he attended barber school. In 1948 he married Dorothy Mae Portwood and they moved to North Bend where he worked at a gas station with his brother, Deo. It wasn’t long before both were hired at Weyerhaeuser where Howard eventually became a foreman in the Shipping Department. After 19 years at Weyerhaeuser he took a job at St. Regis Lumber Company in Issaquah and retired in 1985. Throughout this time, he also cut hair, evenings and weekends, in a little barbershop he built in his garage, frequently working until 9 or 10 o’clock at night. Howard was dedicated to his work but also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He usually found a way to spend opening day in the woods with his brother and their sons, Howie and Dale, as well as other friends and family members.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mae; son, Howard James Burnside Jr.; two brothers, Leon and Deo Burnside; and one stepsister, Sharon Annette. He is survived by three stepbrothers, Ed (Dottie) Grant of Stanwood, Vern Grant of Issaquah, Dick (Sherol) Grant of Yelm; one stepsister, Shirley Helton of Zypher Hills, Florida; daughter, Charlene (David) Franklund of Yakima; six grandsons and four great-grandchildren.

Inurnment will be at Fall City Cemetery. At his request, there will be no service.