Events
Viewing
Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UtahSaturday Oct 26, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Vicky “Victoria” D Burgess, Ph.D and USAR LTC Retired
Born into this world during the fury of World War II, 17 April 1945. Her parents Fae Peterson and Stanley D Burgess preceded her death. They were both very capable and dynamic people. She was reared in Salina, Utah, a town that just could not quite understand or change her but claimed her as a “Down Winder.” Her favorite past time as a child was to work with her Father, on his Cattle Ranch.
On to much formal education, Utah State University, BS and MS, Boston University and Northwestern University, Ph.D. She was an educator (taught for over a dozen institutions of higher learning including the University of Maryland, University of Utah and Brigham Young University), author (10 books and numerous research articles), Marriage and Family Therapist, Forensic Psychologist, Army Officer and Veteran (USAR RET LTC). She lived in Germany on an off for a total of twelve years between 1969 and 1981.
Her values were making a contribution, being really good at something, and being effective.
Mother of five children in ways they will probably never understand. Eden Olson, Ph.D., Educator and CPT USAR (married Hugh O’Donnell); Erica Olson, Scientist and Educator (married John Vermaas); Seth Olson, Ballet Dancer and Nurse (married Tonia Stefiuk); Abraham Burgess, Attorney, LTC JAG Corp, (married Simona Radut) and Zachary Burgess, Nurse, (married Bridget Driscoll).
Goddess, Gardner, Equestrian, Crone and Seeker of Love. She believed that the majority was usually wrong.
Funeral Services will be on October 26, 2024 starting at 10:30am viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn located at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City.
Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86390808143
Guestbook/Condolences
To the family of Dr. Burgess,
I had the absolute privilege of having Dr. Burgess as a professor in my undergraduate work at Columbia College in Salt Lake City. She was a tremendous force of nature & she challenged me in ways I didn't realize I needed. Dr. Burgess never failed to speak her truth, I forever respect & cherish the relationship we had after I graduated. We took her communication classes through Community ED to have another opportunity to learn from and enjoy her company. She had just returned from a trip to Greece that summer and we spent an hour or more after class in the parking lot hearing her speak of the vacation & the experiences she had. Dr. Burgess so deeply proud of each one of her children, just as I am sure you are of her and all that she accomplished. She shared that she gave birth and got her degree from Northwestern with one of you in her arms. She showed us that women can and should do anything we desired. Thank you for allowing me to share my condolences with you. She was a huge advocate for me and I will always remember her fondly.
To Eden ,Erica, Seth ,Abraham and Zachary and families.
Our time spent with Vicky was always eventful and pleasant.
Our condolences and love to you all..
I am so sorry to lose my colleague, Vick Burgess. We were collaborators, and she was a mentor who introduced me to "hard-core" professional work that paid off and provided many professional opportunities.
Vicky never boasted. But, her accomplishments were beyond belief. I would not have been able to keep up with her pace. So, I listened and learned from her how to be "rough and tough" when needed. She must have learned this from working on her father's cattle ranch.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning forensic psychology practice from Vicki. She even connected me to the necessary resources for my professional development in Salt Lake City. Her mentorship was truly appreciated.
Plus, Vicky spoke so proudly of her children and their accomplishments. She must have been a dynamic mother who was so advanced as an academician and practitioner. Her children are lucky to have had such an outstanding parent who never showed weaknesses.
I remember learning from Vicky that it was okay if people did not like you for what you stood for as a professional. She would often say to me, "........doesn't like me." I laugh because now, I know she would have been tough on the witness stand with those forensic cases.
I am happy to share my experiences and will remember Vicki as a true feminist for her time. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Patricia Smith
Las Vegas, NV
psmith7959@aol.com