Obituaries - May 19, 2006

Clarence E. Burke

Clarence E. “Jonnie” Burke, two-time Emmy award winner, inducted into the Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame (LACMA), known as one of the top rated special effects men in Hollywood, and the mastermind behind the special effects for the hit TV series Mission Impossible passed away May 2, 2006 at the age of 85.

Jonnie was born in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. As a young boy he was given the title of “Most Beautiful Baby,” which gave him a seat on Rose Parade floats. He graduated from Pasadena City College, where he played football and later taught electronics.

Jonnie was a WWII veteran, having served his country in the Army. After being wounded and missing in action, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

He was a 40-year resident of La Cañada with his wife “Libby,” to whom he was married 55 years (she preceded Jonnie in death in 1997.) It was there they raised their two children, Jon and Debbie Burke.

Jonnie’s long and distinguished career included feature film credits on “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World”, ”Devil at 4 O’Clock”, “King Rat”, “Herbie The Love Bug” and Matt Helm movies. His television credits included ”The Red Skelton Show”, ”Mannix” and “Mission Impossible”.

Jonnie passed away peacefully of natural causes with his family at his side in Pasadena.

Jonnie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his son Jon Burke(wife Dianne) of La Cañada Flintridge, daughter Deborah Burke Haessig of Westlake Village and grandchildren Stacey, Jon, Bhret, Breyden and Heather, his great-grandchildren Christopher and Nicole, his sister Jayne, and his beloved sweetheart Lois, whom he shared his last eight years with.

A private memorial service will be held on May 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Motion Picture Television Fund, 22212 Ventura Blvd. #300, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 in memory of Jonnie Burke.

Stuart Andrew Hardesty

Stuart Andrew Hardesty passed away in his Montrose home May 13, 2006. He was born Nov. 21, 1985.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Jean and Steve Radecki; father, Ray Hardesty; his brother, Mark Hardesty; and his loving girlfriend, Elly MacDonald. He is also survived by his grandparents, Ken and Lou Ann Pederson and Sam and Marilyn Hardesty, and his cherished aunt, Ann Treger.

Please join us in a memorial service to celebrate Stuart’s life. It will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2723 Orange Ave., La Crescenta.

For more information, contact Crippen Mortuary at 249-6131.