Obituary
Michael (Mike) Edward Burdick, 66, peacefully passed away on October 9, 2021, at his vacation home in Daytona, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. A resident of Washington State, he and his loving husband and partner of 37 years, Pete Gimmi, enjoyed renovating properties in the outlying areas of Seattle, including Auburn, Port Orchard, and Harstine Island.
On December 5, 1954, Mike was born to his parents Philos “Si” and Margaret (Searl) Burdick. As a young man, he worked as a delivery boy for the Olean Times Herald, winning a trip to Disney World for his salesmanship, igniting a passion for hard work and travel. After graduating from Belmont Central School in 1973, he joined the Navy. Stationed on the West Coast, Mike spent much of his service at sea acting as the periscope operator on a submarine, the USS Flasher. He loved sharing stories of his time on the sub and adventures traveling around the world.
After an honorable discharge in the eighties, he transitioned to civilian life by learning to operate passenger busses. Enjoying everything about the business, he launched his own company, Northwest Passage Charter. He relished playing host and tour guide as much as he loved operating the busses. Every ride with him was a well-orchestrated journey. When he wasn’t working, he loved traveling with his husband, raising his pack of five dogs, and designing detailed crochet pieces. Many of his crochet works and designs won awards for their intricate and beautiful craftsmanship. Mike devoted much time to community service, often helping others with renovation projects, and served as the Harstine Island Grange Master for many years.
Mike was predeceased by both of his parents, a brother Dale E. Burdick, and a brother-in-law Byron C. Hamilton. He is survived by his husband Pete Gimmi; his brother Jim (Nancy) Burdick; three sisters, Linda Burdick, Pearl Hamilton, Melanie Ann Burdick; nephews Brandon (Teri) Hamilton, Brian (Angela) Hamilton; nieces Andrea Burdick, Laurel (Scott) Comstock, Amanda Burdick, Mary Burdick, Bridget (Gail) Hamilton, Tracy (Scott) Bradshaw; and many great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the ACCORD Food pantry in his hometown of Belmont, New York. Mike will be laid to rest on October 19, 2021 at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Florida.
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