Birth date: Feb 11, 1948 Death date: Nov 20, 2013
65, was born in Fukuoka, Japan to Roy and Betty Burgess. Michael is survived by his wife Mary, stepson Richard Rogers, stepdaughter Mary (Richard) Reynnells, three grandsons Dustin, Russell and Samuel. Michael's mom Betty, brother Read Obituary
Thanks Michael for all you did for the Burgess Family. Fred Burgess
Many thanks to Michael for all his work in the Burgess DNA project. His gracious way and his ability to talk to a stranger as a friend was much appreciated by my husband and myself when we were new in using DNA for family research. Our prayers to Michael and his family.
Terri & Ronnie Burris
Tucson, Arizona
Such a shock to learn of Michael's passing! I'm so very saddened. Mary, you are in Jayne's and my thoughts. In the mid-1970s, I discovered Mike's and Doug Menville's Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Classic series, which included several reprints of H. Rider Haggard novels. These reprints helped light a spark in me that is still flaming fiercely! By 1987, I self-published a little paperback novel that was a sequel to Haggard's SHE: A History of Adventure, so I sent one to Mike as a simple gesture of Thank You. The next thing I know, he's asking to distribute my book in hardcover through his and Mary's Borgo Press! That's the way he was—full of surprises and 100% loyal. I last saw him and Mary in 2007 (I'm sad to say it was so long ago) at a restaurant in Redlands where he told me about his War of the Worlds sequel in progress. He was so vibrant and vital and accomplished and skillful and sensationally prolific, I have been in awe of him these four decades. Happily, we touched base and discussed bookish things half a dozen times or so a year for the last several. Though the world is a poorer place because he is gone, it is nonetheless is far, far richer because of his copious legacy of bringing forgotten books to light and for the sheer joy of his fertile imagination! RIP, Michael.
Thomas Kent Miller
Redlands
Michael brought together cousins from around the globe with his book, THE HISTORY OF THE BURGESS FAMILY...he was a wonderful man who cared deeply for ALL his family members throughout the world....we will miss you Michael....
Ron Burgess
Medford, Oregon
Mary, Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers! I am fortunate to have known Mike over the years since his first call to me in 1980 asking about my immediate family information. Over the years he gave me the Genealogy bug! It has been Mike & your research that has brought many many Burgess families together! We are forever thankful & beholding to both of you! Michael will be greatly missed!
My deepest condolences to the family. Michael was a wonderful colleague and friend to many, many people over the years. He touched many lives and had a powerful role in the growth of CSUSB. We've lost a good friend. RIP Michael.
Mary,
Michael was a wonderful colleague and a pleasure to be around. I was always amazed by his energy and his endless accomplishments. RIP
Clark Molstad
CSUSB
Mary,
How fortunate we all have been to have both you and Michael in our lives. He always kept us asking questions and the excitement of life was in his every step. I will cherish our conversations and the support he gave me these many years. Blessing to him as he now rests and blessings to you as you carry on.
Lorraine Frost
Phelan, CA
My thoughts are with Mary. And with his brother Mark whom I know through correspondence. I called Michael Rob because that's what he wanted. He was a hell of a guy and I'll miss our Saturday afternoon phone conversations and his good offices.
I know he'd want to be remembered by all the books he wrote and the thousand plus he edited. He was a writer's editor.
Jim Johnson
Sarasota, FL
