Kenneth Burch JR.

Kenneth Elbert Burch, Jr., died Monday, April 2, 2012, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. A Funeral Service will be Monday, April 9, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel at Ute Park. Deacon Larry Tucker of St. Ignatius Catholic Church will be officiating. Burial will occur at Ouray Memorial Cemetery in Ignacio. Visitation will be held at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel on Monday at 9:00 a.m.

Mr. Burch, Jr., was born February 20, 1959, in Ignacio, Colo., the son of Kenneth Burch, Sr. and Rosemarie Howe. Mr. Burch grew up and attended schools in Ignacio. After he graduated from Ignacio High School, he traveled extensively throughout the United States on his motorcycle. He held various jobs through the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. He mainly worked maintenance for the tribal housing. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and joking with his friends and family. "He was a very kind and caring individual and was never mean to anyone," fondly recall his family. He was a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and in his younger days, he was a War Dancer. Mr. Burch also liked listening to the music by Eric Clapton.

He is survived by Maxine Silva (companion) of Ignacio, Colo., Josephine Howe (sister) of Ignacio, Dora Howe (sister) of Ignacio, Sandra Burch (sister) of Telluride, Colo., Daniel Weaver (brother) of Ignacio, Clayborn Scott, Sr. (brother) of Ignacio, Irene Burch (aunt) of Ignacio, Mary Santistevan (aunt) of Ignacio, Vonestine William (aunt) of Ignacio and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents.