09/04/2026
Byron Bruce Burge, 81, of Fairbanks, Alaska, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on August 16, 2026. He was born on June 20, 1945, in Decatur, Illinois, to Roy and Lavada Burge.
Byron grew up in Decatur and attended Lincoln Grade School from 1950 to 1957, Roosevelt Junior High School from 1957 to 1959, and Stephen Decatur High School from 1959 to 1963, graduating in May 1963.
After high school, Byron spent a year working to earn money for college. During that time, he was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur. In September 1964, he enrolled at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in May 1968.
In September 1971, Byron traveled to Kotzebue, Alaska, to visit a college friend who was teaching there. That visit changed the course of his life. Byron fell in love with Alaska and never returned to Illinois to live. He began his career in education, teaching driver education and working in special education. It was during those years that he met Alice, who was working as a teacher’s aide in special education. They were married on November 25, 1972, and enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage together.
Byron later joined Alaska Airlines and was transferred to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he and Alice made their permanent home. After leaving Alaska Airlines, Byron entered the trucking industry, where he worked for many years for Mervin Gilbertson and later Jeff Day. He was grateful for their kindness, help, and generosity throughout those years. Byron eventually retired from the trucking industry.
Throughout his working years and beyond, Byron gave generously of his time to his community. He served as a basketball referee for 39 years, officiating games for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks as well as local high schools. During those years, he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow referee Dave Munson, who became one of his closest friends, along with Dewaine Snider.
Byron also spent many summers commercial fishing in Kotzebue. He loved the outdoors and the beauty of Alaska and especially enjoyed hunting trips with friends and family.
Those who knew Byron will remember him as a humble, kind, and deeply selfless man. He consistently put his family first and was always more concerned about the needs of others than his own. His quiet generosity, gentle spirit, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Most importantly, Byron was a man of deep and abiding faith. He faithfully spent time each day reading his Bible and in daily devotion and prayer, and he served the Lord throughout his life. Even during his final days, his faith remained steadfast. Among his last words were, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Glory to God!”
Byron is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Burge, of Fairbanks; his children, Robert Foster, Brenda Calhoun (Wesley), Kimberlee Mark (Bentley), and Fan Burge (Sarah); six grandchildren, Ashlee Buchanan, Hannah Calhoun, Taylee Tourtellot, Leilani Calhoun, Shylee Ross, and Ethan Pratt; and five great-grandchildren, Avery Buchanan, Esme’ Tourtellot, Ella Buchanan, Torvi Tourtellot, and Grace Buchanan.
He is also survived by his siblings, Cathryn Blankenship, Dale Burge, and Ruth Brewer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lavada Burge.
Byron’s life was marked by faith, family, friendship, service, and a deep love for Alaska. His gentle presence and generous heart will be deeply missed, but the example he left behind—and the faith he lived by—will continue through the many lives he touched.
View Byron Bruce Burge's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.
