Burgon Dickerson Mesler's Obituary
Burgon Dickerson Mesler, age 100, of Fircrest, passed away Nov. 22, following a 2-day illness. Burg was blessed to have recently celebrated his 100th birthday at Fircrest Park and was honored at First Presbyterian Church (FPC). He was able to spend his last years of life in the home he built and was fortunate to have strength, mobility, and mental sharpness.
Burg was born Oct. 4, 1921, in Ashford, WA, at the present-day Alexander’s Inn near the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier. His extended family owned and operated the inn. He grew up in Tacoma with his 15 siblings, continuing to spend time at Mount Rainier hiking, fishing, camping and hunting, which became lifelong passions. Burg learned the construction trade from his father while in his teens and continued the vocation after graduating from Stadium High School.
As a child, Burg began a lifelong journey of faith while attending FPC. At age 16, he met his wife- to-be Violet there and they married in 1942 just before Burg began service in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. Burg and Violet had 5 children: Roy (Bev), Susan (Marshal), Ruth (Steve), Rebecca (Chris) and Donald. The family enjoyed camping, road trips, fishing, hiking, and attending church together. As a contractor, he had a successful building and remodeling business.
He was an active member of FPC, serving as an elder, teaching Sunday School, helping with building projects, and bowling on the church team. He enjoyed working at FPC Camp McCullough and Young Life’s Malibu Club, where he built lodges, cabins, and docks.
Burg had a passion for healthy living. He enjoyed picking berries and mushrooms, cooking, dehydrating food and canning. Fruits and vegetables may have contributed to his longevity. He loved riding his bike, participated in triathlons, and played tennis, receiving several medals in his later years in the Washington State Senior Games. He played tennis into his eighties and at age 97, rode his bike through the streets of Fircrest. He was an avid reader, and at the time of his death had nearly completed reading through the Bible again.
Burg will be remembered for his love of family, perseverance of faith, knowledge of many subject matters, carpentry skills, love of fishing and hunting and hiking, and his steady and quiet personality.
He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild and is now united with his wife Violet. Thank you, dad and grandpa, for being a tower of strength and example of faith over the years. We all miss you.
A graveside service is to be held at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Mountain View Memorial Park. Donations can be made to Camp McCullough c/o First Presbyterian Church, and the Tacoma Rescue Mission.
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