John Chester Burman
June 4, 1946 – Jan. 3, 2024

John Chester Burman, 77, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on January 3, 2024.

John was born one of four children to Rose and Chester Burman on June 6, 1946 in Eureka. He was a Humboldt native who graduated from Eureka High School in 1965. John was known for his athletic ability in football and track & field were he achieved greatness with his speed.

John “Jetstream” Burman continued after Eureka high to excel in football and track at Shasta Junior College. He then returned to Humboldt where he finished his sports career at HSU. John continued to shine there and hold multiple football records at HSU. He was inducted into the HSU Hall of Fame in 1978. During his career at HSU he received many awards, including Western All-Conference and Most Valuable Player. He officially hung up his cleats after making it through three cuts on the 49ers football team.

After college he followed in the footsteps of his father Chester Burman as a longshoreman for 35 years locally. He thrived in the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. He frequently dove for abalone in Mendocino County and enjoyed his cabin at Ruth Lake. John had two daughters, Courtney and Kelsey, with first spouse Janet Surrell. He enjoyed coaching them in triathlons and various sports while they were growing up.

John was a man of many talents but most importantly he was loved and respected by so many. He will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Burman; mother, Rose Lawson; grandparents, Emma and Fred Burman, Peter and Amelia Serafini; and cousin Dick Giacolini.

He is survived by his daughters, Courtney Burman and Kelsey Tognetti (husband Tony); his five grandchildren, Asher, Ember, Nolan, Brady and Logan; his three sisters, Joanne Melandy (Michael Melandy and family), Sharon Kopin and family, Carol Ondrejko and family; and cousin Judy Kovacovich. John’s extended family includes Sam Hendricks (husband Jim and family) and Brandon.

Please join us for a “Celebration of Life” Friday February 23, 2-5 p.m. at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfker Lane, Eureka. If you have any questions please email Kelsey at ksburman@hotmail.com

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of John Burman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.