Pacific University Mourns the Loss of Trustee Emeritus George Burlingham

Pacific University mourns the loss of longtime supporter, trustee emeritus and friend George Burlingham, who passed away Sunday, Jan. 26 at the age of 79.

George and members of his family have been integral parts of both the Forest Grove and university communities for more than eight decades.

Burlingham Hall is named in honor of the Burlinghams' longtime generosity to the university. George and his wife Ruth received Pacific’s Harvey Clark Award in recognition of their dedicated leadership and vision for higher education in general and specifically for their support of Pacific.

The Burlinghams also received the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce's 2012 Philanthropic Leadership Award for many years of supporting Pacific University, Tuality Healthcare and the Oregon Community Foundation.

George served on the Pacific University Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2012 and was instrumental as chair of the board's Campus Property Committee. The university bestowed trustee emeritus status on George following his active service on the board.

George's mother Doris also served as a Pacific University Trustee, from 1956 to 1984, and remained a friend of the university until her death in 2004 at the age of 97.

Doris' sister-in-law Ruth Burlingham Loomis attended Pacific University as well as taught and coached at Pacific. She too was a friend of the university until her death in 2001 at the age of 98.

George was born Dec. 4, 1934 and is survived by his wife Ruth and their two daughters, Sheri Schneider and Karen Bland. In accordance with George’s wishes, the family is holding a private service to celebrate his life. 

In lieu of flowers, the Burlingham family requests that any memorial gifts be made to Pacific University in support of the College of Business. Cards and personal notes may be sent to the university's Office of the President, which will ensure the Burlingham family receives them.