Harold Burk

Harold Wayland Burk

November 16, 1934 to October 15, 2025.

Wayland was born in Lohn, Tx. to Tom and Susie Burk. Wayland often fondly recalled his childhood with his brothers, Wiley and David. His father was a Pentecostal Minister and during his formative years Wayland moved to several locations around Texas and New Mexico before settling in Odessa, Tx for his high school years. Wayland was voted Senior Class Favorite and Most Handsome in 1952, his senior year at Odessa High School. After attending Texas Tech for his Freshman year, Wayland enrolled in the Navy in 1954. He completed boot camp in San Diego, CA, earned a radar technician credential at Treasure Island, CA and served on a destroyer for 2 years sailing to and from Japan during his tenure.

Following enlistment, Wayland attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Tx. while tending bar at Alpine Country Club and graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business.
Wayland became an accomplished salesman for organizations including Prudential Insurance Company and Burroughs Corporation in Lubbock, Texas. He and his wife, Patsy Burk (Locke) had his only child, Wesley Burk in 1969. The family loved the mountains and traveled to Ruidoso, NM often for vacations. Patsy passed away in 1979. Shortly after Wesley graduated from Monterey High School, Wayland moved to Ruidoso and realized his long time dream of entrepreneurship by opening Re/Max of Ruidoso. Wes joined his father there in 1995, and they worked side by side for a number of years.

In Ruidoso, Wayland met Sherrie McElroy and fell deeply in love. They were married on Valentine's Day 2003. Wayland became close to Sherrie's children; Casey Link, Lori Saiz and Scott Lucero who brought him much joy and happiness. He held a lifelong love of old country music and looked forward to attending The Cowboy Symposium every year. Wayland was a successful business owner, investor and friend to many. He was regarded as a gentle, loving person who lived by the principles of kindness. His core belief was rooted in his faith and the Golden Rule and often advised, "Treat others like you want to be treated and good things will come your way." In retirement he lived in Ruidoso, Las Cruces and Albuquerque, New Mexico and spent much of his time playing his guitar. 

Harold Wayland Burk is preceded in death by brother Wiley Burk and Patsy Burk and survived by his son Wesley Burk, brother David Burk, wife, Sherrie Burk, step children Casey Link, Lori Saiz, Scott Lucero and grandchildren Delany Burk, Harper Burk, Hazel Link, Violet Link, Alex Saiz, Gabe Saiz and Ethan Saiz.

Wayland will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery on November 3rd, 2025 at 11am.