Louis G Burge Obituary

December 26, 1966 – August 13, 2023

Louis (Louie) Grant Burge was born on December 26th,1966 and passed away unexpectedly on August 13th, 2023. He is survived by his Aunt Violet (Vi) Clark, whom he enjoyed visiting whenever he could.

Louie was the beloved son of Louis (Lou) and Marilyn Burge, who worked tirelessly to do everything they could to help him be successful and happy. Louis lived with his parents for most of his early years, spending some time at Parry Center for Children, and graduated from Franklin High School in 1988. In February 1987 Louis moved into an Up and Out Inc. group home. In 2002 Louis made his final move to Up and Out ‘Lou’s Place’ which was named after his father. Louie loved his home and took excellent care of it, both inside and out. He enjoyed tending to the garden and planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. He could usually be seen working on puzzles, embroidery, crafts, latch hook, and his favorite workbooks. For the past few years Tuesdays were special days for Louie and he made most of his plans for that day so he could do things with his favored staff. Tuesdays were for ‘second dinner’, haircuts, shopping, and any other adventure Louis chose. He loved holidays and had traditions for everyone, Halloween was his favorite and he loved dressing up! Two other very special days were Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, when Louis would dress up in a shirt and tie and go out to eat to celebrate his parents.

After the devastating loss of his parents, Louis had no shortage of love and support in the form of various chosen families. Louie continued to be involved in the Multnomah County Special Olympics, covering the walls of his room with medals and certificates. He spent Christmases and 4th of July’s at Upward Bound Camp celebrating with friends. Louis traveled the world with Trips Inc., his last trip being Washington DC for the 4th of July; an incredible experience, we’re sure. Every week he could be found bowling with Portland Parks and Recreation AIR, an event he eagerly awaited with his bowling bag at the ready every Wednesday. He also explored Portland and surrounding areas with Portland Parks and Rec, trips to the beach were his favorites. Louie was a talented artist who spent hours creating beautiful pieces and selling them at Indigo Dye and Fiber Works weaving studio. He also spent a couple days a week exploring Portland with Exceed Enterprises.

Louis lived at Lou’s Place with many friends over the years, and still lived and spent time with neighbors he’d been with since he moved to Up and Out. The number of people that have had the honor of supporting Louie over the years is more than can be counted. Whether people stayed for ten months or ten years, they will have a fun story to tell of their time with him. Despite having to say goodbye to so many people, Louie was always willing to give people a chance to get to know him. There was a great sense of joy, and feeling of being so special, when Louis invited you into his home or hand you a note detailing exactly what he needed.

Whether it be a special trip, a carefully written note, a fun conversation, or something else; everyone that knew Louie will have something special to cherish and remember him by. He will live on in so many ways.

We will celebrate Louis’ life on October 17th, 2023, 10 am – 1pm; on his favorite day of the week during his favorite month. It will be held at Omega Funeral Home located at 223 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233 with a reception to follow. Louis liked to honor people he cared about by donning a button-up shirt and tie, should you want to do the same for him.

“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” – Mathiole