Ray Burt

Ray Afton Burt Jr. passed away in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 after a life well-lived. Dad was born on May 17, 1930 to Wanda Peterson and Ray Afton Burt Sr. He was raised primarily by his grandparents in the Sugarhouse area while spending some summers with relatives near Loa where he developed a love of the outdoors and riding horses. He spent many days on the ski slopes. As an only child he succeeded in developing all the attributes that would define his life.

He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War where he served for three years. He later attended the University of Utah and while driving home one day he spotted a girl named Maida Jean Webb that would give him purpose and joy for the next seventy years. Their union in 1954 resulted in three daughters and a life full of powerful and lasting memories. Dad retired from IBM where he received recognition for being dependable, proficient, and having a strong work-ethic. He enjoyed bowling, tennis, softball, long walks, and games with friends and family. Along with his eternal companion, Dad spent countless hours visiting soccer fields, bleachers, school auditoriums, and on road trips that took him to several states where he showed his support for his active and ever-growing family. This love of family was always first and foremost as he sacrificed his own needs to create a stable family environment and set an example of personal humility that is now seen in his posterity. He was an unassuming and kindly man who avoided personal recognition and worked quietly to see that his family had their needs met by his generosity and support. Maida was always the love of his life, and his unwavering dedication to her needs was where Dad’s loyalty and dedication was most evident. When Mom preceded his passing, he remained true to his principled life by never desiring anything for himself, setting an example of fatherhood, and being independent to the end. We will miss his honesty and forbearance, but his quiet strength will be his lasting legacy.

He is survived by three daughters, Vicki (Lynn) Ware, Patti Maxfield (Rick Koster), and Bobbi (Scott) Gessell, ten grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Maida Jean and son-in-law Thomas Holly Maxfield.

A viewing will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 12:00 noon in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove followed by a tribute to his amazing life at 12:30 pm. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.