Othney Phelps "O.P." Burch Obituary (1938 - 2017)

The sun lost some of its brilliance the day Othney Phelps Burch left this life. He passed away December 15, 2017, at Sentara RMH Medical Center, Harrisonburg, VA. OP arrived in Grand Junction, CO, on January 13, 1938, at St. Mary's Hospital when it was located at 11th and Colorado. Many of his friends called him "OP"; others called him "Burch"; and while growing up during his school years, he was always "Burchie." He was diagnosed with cancer as well as COPD in March, 2004, and his courageous battle was one of the longest and most difficult challenges of his life but he never wavered in his efforts to overcome and beat these diseases. Until he was nine, Burchie lived in Rifle with his parents and younger brother, Don. They moved to Grand Junction and lived on North 17th Street with his grandmother and her husband for a number of years and later moved to the house on 17th Street and White Avenue. Burchie attended Lincoln Park Elementary School and Grand Junction Junior and Senior High Schools, continuing his education at Mesa Junior College, graduating in 1958 with an Associate's Degree. He entered the University of Colorado finishing his Bachelor's Degree in Zoology and upon graduation in January, 1961, he enlisted in the United States Navy. OP received his commission in July 1962, in Pensacola, FL, as Ensign, United States Navy. Six months later, he received his wings at Corpus Christi, TX. His first tour of duty was in Sanford, FL, where he received additional flight training in the RA5C Vigilante and made his first deployment aboard the USS Saratoga, thus beginning his career in carrier aviation. All told, OP made 13 carrier deployments, ranging from six to eleven months at sea, beginning on the USS Saratoga and ending with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where he was Mini Boss, Air Boss, and then Navigator. During his military career, OP achieved 884 carrier landings (352 at night), accumulated 4400+ flight hours, and flew 147 combat missions. In 1967, OP began his first tour in Vietnam which included the TET Offensive in 1968. His second tour came after his graduation from the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1969. He became the Commanding Officer of RVAH-12 on August 24, 1978, and as "Skipper," he commanded the squadron until the squadron was decommissioned on July 2, 1979. He graduated from the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI, in June, 1980, and completed his distinguished 28 year naval career in Washington, D.C. with final tours at the Pentagon and the Naval Air Systems Command. OP's service awards, decorations, and medals include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and Gold Star, Navy Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and one silver star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with bar. OP was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. His family was very important to him. He was a genuine person who never met a stranger and was always upbeat and optimistic. He was generous to a fault. OP was an avid golfer and fly fisherman and when the neuropathy, due to one of the cancer medications, and his balance became unmanageable, and it was too difficult to continue those pursuits, he found other interests and continued to cope with whatever was dealt to him, never losing sight of the cup that was always half full. A prince he was to those of us who loved him, having only minor faults. OP is survived by his high school sweetheart and best friend, Patricia Ann Doane, whom he married in 1958; son Bradley Phelps Burch, daughter-in-law Stephanie; daughter Stacie Colleen Jackson, son-in-law Cary; three grandchildren, Cameron, Payton, and Emma; brother Donald Emerson Burch and sister-in-law, Vona Leigh. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harriet Leona Burch and Hubert Loami Burch. Cremation has taken place as he wished. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope West, 2754 Compass Drive, #397, Grand Junction, CO 81506, or to the charity of your choice. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA. 540.833.2891