Burton Lemaire Quam, died on September 16, 2003 of natural causes at his home in Bellevue, WA, following many years of Parkinson's disease. He was 88 years old. He was attended by his wife, Dorie Quam, and his eldest daughter, Patricia McHugh (Richard Rodgers).

He is also survived by his other children, David (Joyce), Steven (Jeanne), and Eileen (Ted King) Quam, and the children's mother, Edith Grace Quam. Surviving grandchildren include Deborah, Christopher, Michael, and Alexander McHugh, Matthew, Rebeccah, and Mikkel Quam, and Flannery and Evan Devine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Pauline; his sisters, Marion Gillmor and Pearl Featherstone; and in June 2003 his brother, Norman Quam. Burton was born in Spicer, MN on September 11, 1915. He attended North High School, Minneapolis, and the University of Minnesota.

He was a ham radio operator, gifted electronics engineer, inventor, and flight instructor. He worked for Northwest Airlines in the instrument shop and as a pilot for 37 years.

He was a great traveler and loved music. Burton was a caring, generous man who truly loved his friends and family. He will be missed.

Burton was cremated in Seattle.
His children will arrange a memorial service to be held in Minneapolis at a later date.

Published in Star Tribune on Sep. 28, 2003.