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In Memory of Stephen Eric Burks

​November 18, 1960 - August 11, 2018   
​"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." Ludwig Jacobowski 

With much sorrow we mark the passing of Stephen Burks, after a 3-year battle with Ocular Melanoma. Stephen, age 57, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, August 11, 2018. At the time of his passing, he was in the hearts of those he loved the most.

He will be missed dearly by many friends and colleagues. Stephen often blurred the line between the two, always having the time and consideration to help where he could. 
 
Stephen’s perspective on life was an example to us all, and as many have put forth in the last few days, “made us all better at what we do and who we are”.
 
"Stephen was one of the kindest people you'd ever come across, one look in his compassionate eyes revealed that".  
 
"I came across an article about a possible cancer cluster of ocular melanoma in North Carolina and Alabama where years before these people had gone to Auburn University and doctors were stumped by this, I shared this with Stephen and he became so encouraged asking all his doctors. He, himself, was so excited and full of hope, but yet didn't want his family and close friends around him to get too full of hope, just shows you the amazing, kind, considerate, compassionate, kindred spirit he is."
 
"Stephen was always happy to talk about USC, his alma mater, but it was always amazing his intense passion for the Red Sox and how no matter where he was, or who he was was with, he loved to talk about the game, their chances or their outcomes. It never ceased to amaze me how someone not from Boston has such an incredible ability to connect with this insane fan base."
 
"Many times Stephen and I would get together and talk about meditation and his beliefs. Even in the final weeks he was so concerned over his family, especially Victor and his mother. He mentioned he hadn’t seen his mother for the sole fact of making it easier on her not seeing his weight loss. One of the most giving and considerate people I’ve ever known. A quote that reminds me of what Stephen would be saying right about now "Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." Ludwig Jacobowski 
 
Stephen is survived by his husband, Victor A. Campos Ortiz; his mother, Barbara Rasner Roach; his sister and brother-in-law, Shawn Burks and Michael Valdes; his niece, Nicole Garubo.  
 
Stephen's family honored his life in a private gathering.

Stephen participated in a clinical trial at Columbia University Medical Center in New York as well as treatment programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network at Jefferson in Philadelphia. Supporting Ocular Melanoma cancer research was important to him and he hoped to see the day a cure was found. Because Ocular Melanoma is a such a rare eye cancer, funding grants are being provided by Ocular Melanoma Foundation for research every year.

If you would like to leave an online tribute, please do so at: www.kraeerfairchild.com 
​Stephen worked for Adobe for 5 years. Therefore, all employee donations will be matched by Adobe.  If you are an Adobe employee, please click on the Adobe trademark to make your donation.
If you are NOT an employee of Adobe, please click on the "Donate Now" button to make your donation directly to Ocular Melanoma Foundation.
If you have any questions or want further information about Warrior fundraising with OMF, please email warriors@ocularmelanoma.org