Claude Burtenshaw

CLAUDE J BURTENSHAW,  A THINKING MAN AMONG MEN

Claude J. Burtenshaw, 98, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016.

Claude was born a farmer’s son on February 24, 1918 in Shelton, Idaho, to William Francis and Olive Humphrey Burtenshaw. Claude was the 2nd child and only boy in the family with three sisters, Wilma (Chase), Arlene (Cooper) and Lucile (Tibbetts). He attended Ammon and Ririe Highs where he participated in basketball, music, band, debate and courting.

In 1937, Claude served an LDS Eastern States Mission for two years.  Upon his return he attended Ricks College, earning a 2-year teaching certificate.  He was hired as a teacher in Osgood, Idaho when he met another teacher, Frances Davis from Shelley.  They married on May 27, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple, but WWII soon intervened. With his smooth tenor voice he was asked to sing patriotic songs to encourage enlistment in the military.  Soon he sang himself right into the Army Air-Corp.  He served for 3 years in N. Africa and Italy as a cryptographer and assistant chaplain for servicemen of all religions. Arriving home, he met his 3- year old daughter for the first time.  He then attended the University of Utah where he earned a B.A., an M.A. and a PhD in Political Science and Philosophy. In 1952 he returned to Ricks College as a Political Science professor and debate coach. He was soon involved in local and state politics and served 2 sessions in the Idaho legislature, running three times for the US Senate.  He was a leading advocate in the campaign to keep Ricks College in Rexburg.  In 1959, Claude was chosen as President of College of Eastern Utah in Price which he led for 3 years. In 1962 Utah State University offered Dr. Burtenshaw the position of Dean of Students; later as Vice President and Professor of Political Science. He also directed the Peace Corps programs at USU and its special Honors programs. He formed combined student and faculty and administration councils during the volatile 1960’s period of campus revolts, involving students to help find successful solutions to student issues. He was a favorite professor teaching political science, philosophy, ethics, American government and US Constitution. His lifetime of education spanned 53 years.

While still at USU Claude began serving on the Logan City Council continuing for a total of six terms. There he led the proposal to form the first mayor-council form of government in Utah.  He also enjoyed organizing the Toastmaster Club, and served as local president and area governor.

Upon retirement Claude and Frances served an LDS Mission in Hawaii where they directed the Elder Hostel program and he taught government and political science at BYUH. They also served a humanitarian mission at Deseret Industries in Logan. Claude enjoyed all his church callings, especially as a teacher.

His beloved wife Frances died after 59 years of marriage.  They are the parents of eight children: Claudene (Richard) Gordon, Bonita (Bill) Skidmore, Bruce (Kathleen) Burtenshaw, Rick (Gayle) Burtenshaw, LuAnn (John) Preston, Julene (Glen) Schmidt, Gina (Mark) Anderson, Francene (Theron) Stoker. The children treasure his example of seeking truth, living with integrity, and his dedicated efforts to understand all people whose lives he touched.

In 2002 he married Bonnie Durbano who has been his loving companion. His children express their gratitude to her for her love and kindness to Claude and his family.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife Frances, grandchild Carli Schmidt, his parents, sisters Wilma Chase and Arlene Cooper. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his sister Lucile Tibbits, his 8 children and spouses, 45 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson and his 5  bonus children as well: Dennis Durbano (Linda), Douglas Durbano (Shawna), Dana Pearson (Jace), Bruce Durbano (Stacie) and Gina Graham and their children.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Valley View Ward, 2475 No. Valley View Drive, Layton.  Friends may visit family Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Logan City Cemetery at 3 p.m.

Special thanks are expressed to the Villas at Baer Creek and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their kind service. The family suggests that donations may be given to the Claude and Frances Burtenshaw Scholarship Endowment Fund at www.usu.edu/cjburtenshaw/