Theodore Vance Burba, age 78 of East Grand Rapids died Monday, December 7, 2020 following complications from heart surgery. He was born June 7, 1942 to Evelyn (Cavera) Burba and Ted Burba who preceded him in death as did his in-laws Ellen and Dick Ford who he comfortably called “Mom and Dad”. Ted was also preceded in death by his cousin “sister” Lynn Freeman Brodie of Kauai, Hawaii. He is survived by his wife Linda Ford; children, Scott (Meridith) Burba of Marietta, GA, and Steven (Rosana) Burba of Windemere, FL; grandchildren, Elisa, and Eva Burba, J.J. Burba and Ali Kamel and many cousins near and far. Ted spent 55 years teaching in the Northview School District where he coached football and began the Northview Swim program. He finished his coaching career at East Grand Rapids High School as Butch Briggs assistant swim coach and head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ divers. While at Northview and for over 30 years, he organized the high school blood drives and worked tirelessly for the high school community service volunteer club. Additionally, Ted’s commitment to education allowed him the opportunity to serve a four-year term on the East Grand Rapids School Board from 1985-1989. He had only recently resigned as Vice President of the Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Scholarship, a passionate commitment and honor. Ted’s legacy is that of a teacher who loved students of all ages and the love was returned in kind. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation or service. A celebration of life and Mass will be held at St. Stephens Church sometime this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a contribution to the Ted Burba Scholarship c/o Northview High School at 4451 Hunsberger Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The family is very grateful for all the caregivers at Spectrum downtown and extends their heartfelt thank you.
13 Responses
I love Teddy. I’ll see you again sometime down the road.
Ted was one of the most caring individuals I have ever met. He lived a Godly life and now communes with Christ. We were fortunate to have known him.
A true giant among us that walked thru life quite and unassuming
Thank you Ted for all your decades of contributions to America’s greatest asset, our youth
God Bless Ted
Our love and sympathy to Linda and to Steve and Scott. Teds total dedication to his students and his entire teaching career defines him . Absolutely . We each have “a” teacher that we remember always … I believe that Ted is “the” teacher for every lucky student who had a seat in his classroom. A beautiful legacy for a devoted man….
Dear Family of Ted, I am so very sorry for your loss. My daughter, Jeralyn Love, took many a swimming lesson from Ted during the summers when he did it at his parents home in EGR. He had such a remarkable way with the kids and as a parent I had complete trust in his ability and safety. A couple of years ago we saw each other at Costco and we stood there and reminiscent about those days. I have such good memories about him. I will check St. Stephen’s regarding the Mass. May he be swimming in heaven
Sympathy to the Burba family. I was one of Ted’s cousins (Peggy) We learned to swim at the Argentina pool on Sundays. We liked to watch Ted dive in the backyard.
I was always impressed with the accolades Ted received from his students. He always had a smile.
The effect that Mr.Burba has had on the Community is what others can only dream of. We will miss him dearly.
Sharing in your sadness as you remember Ted.
I am thinking of you and family. This is so unexpected and so sad.
Ted was a remarkable person and a devoted friend to me for more than 60 years. He was truly the definition of a friend: compassionate, patient, caring, and always had time to listen. He is irreplaceable and will be sincerely missed by me and my family.
Linda and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Ted, all my children learned how to swim from cousin Ted at grandma’s pool. Ted was so loved by all of us! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ted was my diving coach as a young girl. He was also a classmate of my father at EGR. He was always a very warm and caring person. I was lucky enough to talk with him not that long ago when he visited with my dad. Such wonderful memories I have of him and the pool. My condolences to his family – he was a wonderful man and gone too soon.
Ted was a good friend and truly honest man who was dedicated to his friends, students, family and community. I will miss him.
Taught my parents and my sister and me. RIP Mr Burba, we love you