Mitchell Philip Burgess

Mitchell Philip Burgess, 90, entered into rest on September 11, 2010 at his residence in Aiken after a long illness. Mr. Burgess was born on Feb. 27, 1920 in Fargo ,N.D. He attended Bemidgie College and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma professional chemistry fraternity. Prior to working for the Dupont Company he spent a year touring the midwest and Canada as a professional clarinet player in a swing dance band. He joined the DuPont Company in 1944. And in 1952 he moved to Aiken where he was one of the start-up engineers at the Savannah River Plant. He had a long successful career at the SRP, writing several classic papers which were presented at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers annual meeting. Mr. Burgess's volunteer commitments in Aiken included coaching little League, Pony League Baseball, and church league basketball. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts for many years. He was on the Vestry of St. Thaddeus Church and served as church treasurer for both St. Thaddeus and more recently , All Saints Anglican church. He enjoyed Quail hunting, fishing and was an avid Ham radio operator. At age 80, Mr. Burgess, K4JIF, was the oldest licensed amateur radio operator to pass the difficult and highest rating test. After retiring from DuPont Mr. Burgess volunteered to work for SCORE (service core for retired executives) and helped several small businesses in Aiken to organize and establish early computer systems, including Woodlanders Nursery, Elliott's Office Supply and the Tri Development Center. Mr. Burgess was especially proud of all three of his children as well as his grandchildren for receiving multiple college degrees and having successful professional careers. Mr. Burgess was predeceased by his parents, Signe Fossland Burgess Peterson and James Burgess; his sister Ida Burgess Lepard and his dear wife of 59 years, Kathryn Hill Burgess. He is survived by his children, Tam Burgess (Lexington S.C.), Craig Burgess (North Augusta) , and Lynn Burgess Pope (Aiken); grandchildren, James Erik Pope (Los Angeles Calif.), Ann Burgess Booth (Stonebridge W. V) ,Beth Burgess Paetow (Columbia S.C.), Kjarstie Burgess Puetz (North Augusta), Kristina Burgess Armstrong (North Augusta); great grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel and Reese Paetow; Joeseph Puetz; Brett and Kathryn Booth. Friends may visit with the family at the Parrish Hall following the funeral and burial services at 2:00 PM Friday, Sep. 17, 2010 at All Saints Anglican Church on Richland and Fairfield Streets, Aiken. In lieu of flowers friends may send contributions to the Aiken SPCA, 401 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC 29801 Mr. Burgess' online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com. SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOMNE, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mitchell Philip Burgess, please visit our flower store.