Kenneth Winslow Burt, II

Kenneth Winslow Burt II, Attorney at Law, sadly passed away at the age of 74, on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home in Escalon, CA.  Born in Lansing, MI on June 14, 1944, Ken was always proud his birthday fell on “Flag Day.”

As a young man in Michigan, Ken became a Factory Laborer and scrap hauler, a member of the United Steel Workers AFL-CIO, for the Motor Wheel Corporation, a division of Goodyear. He then proceeded to work at GMC (Oldsmobile) as a Factory laborer and a member of the United Auto Workers. It was here where he worked the nightshift so he could pursue his education and go to school in the daytime while supporting his family.  Ken was a lover of Lincolns until the end and here is where he purchased his first Lincoln for $7,000. He attended the Community College in Lansing, MI, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI where he received his BA (Bachelor of Arts cum laude) and his Permanent teacher certificate (secondary). Hired at Clawson HS, he taught: U.S. History, American Government, International Relations, Psychology and Sociology. Pursuing his education, he attended Wayne Law School, Wayne State University, and Detroit, MI where he received his J.D. (Juris Doctor cum laude). With this at hand, he went to work as the Executive Director of the South Warren Education Assn. in Warren, MI.

In 1983, he moved the family to Modesto, CA, where he was hired as Executive Director with the Modesto Teachers Association. After approximately 12 years with MTA, he ventured to work for the California Teachers Association – Governmental Relations Division as Liaison Program Coordinator and Lobbyist working closely with teacher leaders and several state agencies, commissions and organizations such as CA Department of Ed, State Board of Education and the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing. His passion was always to fight and protect the rights of teachers and students.

Admitted to practice for the Michigan Supreme Court, U.S. Supreme Court and California Supreme Court. As a Labor Attorney, for 41 years, he was always ready to represent and fight the battle to the end for teachers, staff and anyone who needed help. That was his character, defeat and concur.

Ken Burt is survived by his loving significant other Mary; his children, Koren, Katrina, Kenneth III, John A. and Michelle Cook; grandchildren, Alyssa, Angelina, Katheryn and Joshua; siblings Brenda, John T. and Dan. He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Audrey Burt and Jay Cook.

Irish Travel Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind always be at your back

May the sunshine warm upon your face and the rains fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.