Gerald ""Jerry"" Burford

Gerald ""Jerry"" Burford of Highlands Ranch died peacefully in his home on December 31, 2016, surrounded by his wife and family. He was born July 23, 1937 in Redding, California to Jack and Hannah Burford. Jerry grew up in Citrus Heights, California and graduated from San Juan High School in 1955. He earned his Bachelor's of Science degree from California State University in 1959. On September 29, 1962 Jerry married Karol Kendrick. Jerry served four years in the National Guard, and then worked as a controller for Montgomery Wards prior to entering the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1972. His first assignment as an FBI Agent was in Los Angeles, California. In 1973 he was transferred to the Denver, Colorado FBI office, where he worked for 21 years prior to retiring in 1994. While in the FBI, Jerry also served as a firearms instructor and earned the distinction of being one of the FBI's top 100 marksmen; his name is listed on an honorary wall at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Jerry enjoyed many hobbies such as photography, motorcycles, golf and travel. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking and skiing in the Colorado mountains. Jerry traveled extensively with Karol, his wife of 54 years, and enjoyed many winters in sunny Palm Springs, California. Above all, he cherished spending time with is family of whom he was very proud. Jerry is preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Susan, his parents Jack and Hannah Burford, and his brother Jack Burford. He is survived by his wife Karol Burford, daughter Mary Evensen (David), son Mark Burford (Laura), and grandchildren Molly, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Luke, Jack, Madeleine, Johnathan, James, Annamarie, and Frank. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 8545 East Dry Creek Road, Centennial. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to the Donor Alliance: Donor Alliance, Inc. 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 800-N Denver, CO 80246 Please share memories of Jerry and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.