Burt Brian Okitsu

Burt Brian Okitsu, 56, passed away at his home in Cle Elum on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 with family at his side. A celebration of his life will be held from Noon-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Cle Elum Eagles. 

Burt was born on July 26, 1967 in Auburn, Washington and graduated from Lake Washington High School in Kirkland in 1985. In his younger years he enjoyed baseball, cycling (even riding in the STP “once”);  fishing and camping all over the Pacific Northwest. In 1990, Burt became involved with the Kirkland Volunteer Fire Department, serving as President in 1992. In 1993, he wanted to focus more on his career so passed the role of President to his best friend, Mark Seidel.

Burt met his wife Laurie Chavanu, through her son Michael (his other best friend) in 2004 and they made their home in Kent. Prior to owning his own business, Burt worked for AAA Heating in Kent, and Washington Energy Services as Service Manager at their Tacoma location. Burt moved to the Cle Elum area and started his own business in 2014 - Burt’s Heating & A/C, LLC. Burt lived in Cle Elum during the week and went back home to Kent on the weekends until he and Laurie purchased their current  home and moved permanently to Cle Elum in 2020 with Jennifer and cats (Tomishi, Gizmo & Q-Tip). 

Although Burt worked on all sorts of HVAC systems and appliances - both residential and commercial - he had a very special bond with his restaurant customers in the area. They all respected and trusted him as an expert in his field and knew that they could call him anytime with issues they were having and he would be there to help. Burt truly loved helping others when they needed it. He will be sorely missed by so many.

Burt was also an avid and ardent Seattle Seahawks fan, holding season tickets for over 25 years. In 2014, he and Laurie won the Seahawks lottery for two tickets to attend Super Bowl 48 in New York – the year that the Seahawks blew out the Broncos 43-8. He and Laurie also enjoyed traveling to various places (especially on their boat) when time allowed, the ocean being their favorite.

Burt is survived by his wife, Laurie Chavanu of Cle Elum; daughter Julia Okitsu and grandson Justin Okitsu of Bottineau, North Dakota; daughter Jennifer Chavanu of Ellensburg, Washington; and daughter-in-law Tyleighsa Nordmark of Columbia Falls, Montana. Gayle Getz, mother and Rodney Okitsu, brother reside in Texas.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael Nordmark in 2021; father Ronald Okitsu in 2013 and brother Curt Okitsu in 2001.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com