Burleigh (Burl) Dennis Streets, lifelong resident of Helena, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday February 4, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
Burl was born in 1943 in Helena to Fern and Clarence Streets. He was the youngest of four children.
After growing up in Helena, Burl served the US Navy in the Vietnam era. He then returned to Helena and met his beloved wife, Karen. They lived in Helena, raising their three daughters, working hard and playing hard. They generously shared their time, energy and humor with anyone crossing their paths. Karen became ill in 2002, and Burl retired from his 30 year career as an electronics technician to be her full time caregiver. After Karen’s death that year, Burl and his second wife, Toni Rickman started their life together.
Burl was an avid and extremely talented tinkerer, able to return almost any broken item to working condition. He often said anything could be repaired with duck tape, nylon ties and WD-40. He was never without his tools, which he wore around his waist on what he referred to as his “bat belt”.
Burl lived with gusto, and humor was his greatest gift. The giant concrete gargoyle he installed on top of his house is characteristic of the individuality he brought to everything he did. He was known around town for his witty banter and jovial nature. He announced his arrival everywhere he went with an off-color joke delivered in his booming voice.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and best friend Karen Streets, and brothers Wayne Wilson and Bill Streets.
Burl is survived by his wife, Toni Rickman, three daughters, Britt “Bearsky P. Bear” Ballinger, Casey “Weasel” Berryman, and Clarice “Duck” Streets, sons-in-law Nathan Berryman and Jim Fricker, step daughters Peggy Timm and Tracy Maphies, step son Shawn Maphies, adopted sons Guy Root and John-Jack Wells, surrogate daughter Merrillee Rutherford, sister Wanda Miller, his six grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and innumerable people who had the honor of calling him a friend.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow at the family’s home at 700 Cole Avenue in Helena, Montana. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Burleigh. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Burl.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday February 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday February 8, 2020
Family's Home
700 Cole Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Vanessa Tolson says
Thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time.
Liz Coleman says
He will surely be missed and left such a legacy,!. Laugh and be joyful even while you grieve because he would have done the same. So glad to have seen him at Laurel’s graduation. He surely did pass on some good gene’s to his family. Hugs and love to all. He certainly created a good family.
Allen Stenhjem says
Toni
God Bless Burl………
Bob says
I enjoyed Burl. Sorry his health went south. His home made cologne was very nice and he shared a bottle with me.
Toni… sad for your loss, Burl loved you.
Bob Gilbert
Sandy Dockstader says
Had the honor of attending 2 of his famous steak dinners. He was a man full of life who enjoyed living and spread his joyous humor to all. He raised 3 wonderful daughters and will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Tim Streets says
I’m so sorry to hear about Burl! I’m glad all of you were in Helena again to spend time with him these last few years. I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Laurie Hamilton says
Burl always made me smile and was always good for a laugh. He loved his daughters so very much. He raised three phenomenal daughters. He will be missed.
Love to all of his family, especially Clarice, Casey and Britty Britt ❤️❤️❤️
Michelle Bernal Berg says
I have so many wonderful childhood memories of hanging out at the Street’s house. Mr and Mrs Streets were always so warm, welcoming, and fun! Clarice, Casey, and Britt, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you all our love and thoughts.
Gayle Stubblefield says
Toni thinking of you
Joe Schendel says
Britt….sorry for your loss. I did not know your father but knew you as a friend to my son Aaron. He must have been a good person because you certainly are a good person!
Grady Plemmons says
Burleigh was a great friend in our high school years. RIP dear friend
Carolyn Truscott says
Britt, Casey and Clarice, I’m so sorry your dad is gone. I sure remember some great times at Burl’s Ripoff and at your home and ours. My mom Helen watched you girls often and loved all 3 of you so much. Sending my love, Carolyn Tafolla Truscott
Suzy Holt says
Burl kept us entertained in the cafeteria at Shodair, either lunching with Karen or roaming the halls checking out the fire alarm system. It was always fun to run into him around town once in awhile, also happy to chat cheerful stories.
RIP in peace Burl. Condolences to your treasured children and friends; they will miss you always. Suzy Holt
John Jack says
Burl made my life a better place to be. I loved Burl and I will miss him.
Debby Richards Flansaas says
I am so sorry Toni for your loss.
Mark Roeder says
My condolences to all of Burl’s family and friends. I just found out about his passing and he will be sorely missed.
John Calder says
I just recently learned of Burleigh’s passing and I am so sorry. I was fortunate enough to have served with him on the USS STODDARD DD566. we, along with several other shipmates, had such good times in so many ports in the Far East. But one of my favorite memories was during a Naval gunfire mission just north of DaNang. As I was communicating with a Marne Spotter, I thought I was having a problem with my headset and Burleigh was called. He walked in, unplugged my headset and immediately replugged it back in, and it worked just fine… As he was leaving, he said if I had any more trouble with the handset he said just unplug it and then suggested where to plug it back in….during a very serious mission, as he left everyone in CIC cracked up…rest in peace my dear friend, Rest In Peace.