David "Lee" Burgess Sr.

Lee passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 89 after a yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

He was born on February 28, 1936, to Clyde and Gladys Burgess and grew up on North Fork Road. Lee attended Mt. Baker High School, where he was involved in sports and FFA, and he kept many of those friendships until his death. After graduating, he married Darlene Joyce Barter on November 20, 1954, and they moved to Bellingham. They bought their home in Laurel on the Guide Meridian in 1957, where they raised their four children and many goats, horses, chickens, cows, and pigs. They were very involved in the community, including 4-H, water associations, Meridian School, and Assumption Catholic Church.

Darlene preceded him in death in 2006. Lee later married MaryAnn Zender, with whom he shared 18 years.

Lee worked for Lynden Transport, Inc. (LTI) for 46 years. After retirement, he continued to drive independently until 2012. He was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. As a Lynden Legend, his distinctive voice could be heard at LTI events or the local Dutch Treat sharing stories of the many years he spent as one of the original Alcan drivers.

Lee and Darlene hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and traveled extensively, including Korea, Russia, and Africa. They worked hard and played hard. They bought a house in Bouse, AZ to settle down and be snowbirds in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Darlene Burgess; brothers Bert and Robert; sister Janice Webster; granddaughter Amanda Reynolds; great-granddaughter Maya Peterson; and sons-in-law Dennis Reynolds and Mark Peacock.

Lee is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Burgess; his children, Debra Lee, Dave Burgess, Diane Peacock, and Dorene (Bob) Marvel; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister Judy Pefley; and sister-in-law Darlene Burgess. With his marriage to MaryAnn, Grampa Lee also won the hearts of her six children, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lee will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park during a private family graveside service. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Sunday, March 1st at 2:00 PM at the Deming Log Show Museum (3295 Cedarville Rd, Bellingham).

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring doctors and nurses at PeaceHealth Cancer Center and staff at Whatcom Hospice House.

Donations can be made in Lee’s name to PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice Foundation, or to your favorite charity.