Craig Burnham

Craig Hesser Burnham, a beloved resident of Davis County and a cherished member of his community, passed away peacefully at his home on June 30, 2023. Born on April 22, 1939, at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Craig lived a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication to his family and passions. He was the third child of Louis Earl and Gladys Burnham, who instilled in him the values that would shape his compassionate and resilient character.
Growing up on North Main Street in Bountiful, Craig worked alongside his father, helping to sell the bounties of their orchard, berries, flowers, and vegetables. Together, they also hunted fowls, such as ducks and geese, which they dressed and sold to local buyers.
Craig attended Stoker Elementary, Bountiful Jr. HS, Davis HS, and Bountiful HS, where he excelled both academically and on the racetrack, earning numerous trophies for his skill in driving stock cars at the Salt Lake drag races. At the age of fourteen, Craig began his first job at Bangerter Produce Company, where he learned the intricacies of loading and eventually driving semi trucks.
Upon joining the Army, Craig underwent training at Fort Ord, CA. His exceptional driving abilities led to him being assigned the responsibility of maneuvering and driving for the heavy weapons infantry. His superior shooting skills earned him the expert rifleman award, a testament to his commitment to excellence.
Throughout his life, he had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, traveling, and bowling. It was during a bowling event, at the age of 28, that he met the love of his life, his beloved Dorothy (Dottie) MacKnight Wanner, to whom he was blissfully married for 56 years. Dottie had three children from a previous marriage, Cindy, Clark, and Michele, whom Craig fearlessly embraced as his own. (We have joked that he married four people, not just Dottie.) A year after their marriage, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Robyn, completing their loving family.
Following in his father's footsteps, Craig loved plants and flowers. Craig and Dottie purchased 3.5 acres of land in Centerville, where they established a successful peony business. Together, they worked tirelessly, selling dozens of beautiful flowers each Memorial Day—a holiday that held a special place in Caig's heart.
Craig's dedication to providing for his family led him to work for various companies, including Clover Club, Little Poncho Foods, Albertsons, and his own produce company. After selling his business, he continued his career at Pace Club, Sam's Club, and ultimately retired from Smith's Marketplace in Davis County.
Craig leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and devotion. His shining example of support lives on through his beloved wife of 56 years, Dorothy (Dottie) M. Burnham; his brother Don E. Burnham (Hilda); his children Cynthia Wanner Paskett (Frank), Clark L. Wanner, Michele Wanner Juarez (Omar), and Robyn Burnham Allen (Michael); 14 proud grandchildren; and 28 wonderful great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Claudia Scoffield, his parents, and an infant grandson, Jonathan C. Wanner. 
Thanks Dad, for being a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We hope to keep working hard, being loyal, honest, and patriotic productive citizens to make you proud. Someday, we will meet you at “Shootie-Ot.”
The family wishes to thank Symbii Hospice of Layton, specifically Alison, Dad’s nurse, and Tim, Dad’s CNA, for their tender loving care and support.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Russon Mortuary 295 North Main Bountiful, UT. Viewing will be held from 12:30-1:45 pm prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at the Memorial Lakeview Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com. Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Facebook page and this obituary.