William E Burk, III

William “Bill” Emmett Burk III, age 80, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on March 15, 2020 at Kindred Hospital of pulmonary issues.  Bill was encircled by his loving family as he passed peacefully and painlessly.

He was born August 16, 1939 in Santa Fe, NM of William Emmett Burk Jr and Suzanne Sweet Burk.  He attended the Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated in 1957.  He received his Bachelors of Architecture degree from the University of California Berkley in 1967.  In 1970, Bill became one of the early registered architects (number 494) in Albuquerque and was recently interviewed by Historic Albuquerque Inc. at the Special Collections Library of the University of New Mexico as an influential person in his community.

He was a veteran of the US Army serving from 1962-1965, being honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and at the US Army European Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.

He was self-employed in Albuquerque as Bill Burk Third Architect for over 36 years with his wife Chris, contributing to the local community not only in his business, but with his wit and kindness.  He served on the Bernalillo County Arts Board and was part of the process to install the “Reels and Hot Wheels” bus stop in front of the Highland Theater on Route 66 to commemorate the infamous highway.  He was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Albuquerque having served on their long-range planning committee and assisting in the efforts of expanding the educational wing of the church.

He enjoyed wine, fly fishing, and watching the frogs in his koi pond. His favorite activity was spending time with his family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Christiana “Chris” Brodie Burk; and his daughter Elizabeth Burk McCuller (husband Kristopher) of Euless, TX; and his daughter Caroline Margaret Burk (wife Anne) of Albuquerque; and his brother Charles “Charlie” Burk (wife Bonnie) of Albuquerque; and his grandchildren Aiden and Alexis. 

Services will be held at a later date. 

Contributions may be made in memoriam to AWOL ANGLER via their website at www.awolangler.org

Please note Bill’s name with your donation so the organization can keep track.