Birth date: Mar 17, 1922 Death date: Jul 5, 2019
Stephen William “Bus” Burwash died peacefully on July 5, 2019 in Tacoma. He was 97 years old. Born on March 17, 1922 in Spanaway to Alice M. and Stephen W. Burwash, Steve spent his childhood in Tacoma. In 1936, he began working s Read Obituary
I will forever associate Steve Burwash with the Ohop Valley. Over about 10 years I visited regularly with he and his wife at the family home, and then with Steve alone after his wife's passing. I was always made welcome, always offered coffee and the opportunity to talk about farming and the "old days"
I got to know the Burwash's through my work with the Nisqually Land Trust. We wanted to purchase the Burwash Farm and add it to a larger salmon restoration effort in Ohop Creek. Mr. Burwash, as I thought of him, wasn't ready to give up farming but was always willing to talk things over. I sometimes visited with my young son, Aaron, because I wanted Aaron to know a man who invested his life in working the land and supporting his family.
Eventually we agreed on a deal and the restoration went forward. Now salmon habitat has been improved and the Eatonville School District has set up a learning center at the Burwash Farm. This is part of the Steve Burwash legacy. You can visit the Burwash Farm, see the old buildings being maintained, talk with high school students about their dreams and ambitions and walk along a restored stream channel. If you time your visit, you might catch sight of a few of the salmon that return to Ohop Creek each fall.
George Walter
As part of Steve's Tacoma Fire Department family, I can honestly say it was truly a pleasure working with him and getting to know him. He was a man of utmost integrity, and he drew incredible strength from his deep-seated faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank God for a long life well lived! I will see you later, Steve, when I get there!
Larry Anderson, TFD 1969-2003
