Geoffrey Burney Obituary

Description: Geoffrey Burney Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Obituary

Geoffrey Oliver Burney, 74, died July 22nd, 2023. At Geoff’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life has not yet been determined.
Geoff was the only child born to Harold Lee Burney and Hazel “Pat” Burney on July 30th, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio. Geoff later graduated high school in Washington D.C. During summer breaks he would ride the train from Washington D.C. to Rocky Ford, Colorado, where he loved spending his summers with his grandparents, Oliver Steele and Hazel Powers Steele. Geoff started his career at their family business, Oliver Manufacturing Company, Inc., when he was 11 years old.

Geoff attended Oregon State University, where he graduated with a BA in History and a minor in Business. After college, Geoff returned to the place he spent his summers as a child, making Rocky Ford, Colorado his home. In 1979 Geoff married Kathryn Hollar Overmyer and gained two sons, Adam and Brian Burney. He later divorced in 1984, but continued to love and enjoy his kids, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren throughout his life. Geoff worked 41 years at Oliver Manufacturing Company, Inc., many of which he was the President and CEO. Geoff retired from the 5th generation family business in 2012, remaining the chairman of the Board of Directors until his death, having worked alongside his grandparents, mother, two sons, daughter-in-law’s, grandsons, and granddaughter and many Oliver employees, who he considered close friends.

Geoff was a fervent world traveler during his lifetime. He raced in the Sports Car Club of America for 30 years, winning several class championships. Fast cars were a constant enjoyment throughout his life. Geoff was a NASCAR team owner where the Oliver team participated in the first Brickyard 400, and he spent most weekends watching all types of racing. Geoff was also an avid Broncos fan and spent more than 30 years participating in his long time fantasy football club with life long Rocky Ford friends.

Geoff also had an avid love for trains. He enjoyed everything about trains including their history and engineering. Dedicating his spare time to building N-Scale model trains, he was a true model railroad hobbyist. Additionally, Geoff was a devoted cat lover and throughout his life he always had a cat or two around and did not go anywhere without his favorite furry friend. Geoff wintered in Sun City, Arizona which was his second home. Geoff always loved Rocky Ford the best.

Geoff is survived by his two sons: Adam husband of Ann Burney of Bedford, Texas, and Brian husband of Melanie (Knapp) Burney of Rocky Ford, Colorado. He is also survived by three grandchildren: grandson Daylen husband of Emily Burney of Kansas City, Missouri; grandson Christian Burney of Durango, Colorado; and granddaughter Megan Burney of La Junta, Colorado, Additionally Geoff is survived by his ex-wife Kathryn Hollar Overmyer, as well as various cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

Geoff was preceded in death by his grandparents Oliver W. Steele, Hazel P. Steele, parents Harold and Pat Burney, granddaughter Erica Burney, and various aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Erica Burney Foundation at 3416 Pecan Circle, Bedford, Texas, 76021.

Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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