Naches, Wa - With great sadness, John Dean "Burl" Sainsbury, of Naches, WA, born August 26, 1954, in Umatilla, Oregon, unexpectedly left for his eternal home on July 8, 2025. He was the beloved son of Glenna and Robert Sainsbury, from Moxee, WA and retired in North Dakota.

John Sainsbury known by all as Burl was a compassionate and loving man. His passing has left a void in the hearts of family and friends. We ask that you remember him for the way he lived his life and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Burl is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy; his son, Jerry and his wife Jody; his grandson, Shae and his wife Shani. As well as two great grandchildren, Charlotte and Maverick Dean...his name's sake and best buddy. He also leaves behind his brother, Kenny of Moxee; his brother Donnie of Selah; his brother, Patrick and his wife, Trish of Naches; as well as, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he loved dearly.

Burl was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Glenna and Robert, of North Dakota. As well as his brother, Raymond and his nephew, Darrel, both of North Dakota.

After graduating from East Valley High School, Burl set out to conquer his corner of the world. He met and married Dorothy and they had just celebrated their 49th anniversary. Burl lived and worked around the Yakima Valley his entire life.

Burl embraced life and his enthusiasm was shared by those around him. Whether it was a funny joke or an unforgettable story, he had the gift of making others laugh. He loved to tinker. He could usually be found outside in the shop working on one of his many projects. As a life-long car enthusiast, he found great pleasure in restoring vintage vehicles. He was never one to pass up a good project. His hands were equally as skilled with wood...if he could picture it, he could build it. His home was filled with pieces designed by Dorothy but brought to life by his gift.

Burl loved the outdoors. Whether he was fishing, camping or 3-wheeling, he was having fun. His sense of adventure and enthusiasm was shared by his family. Dorothy and Burl could often be found out on the Honda 90's, traveling the mountain paths and enjoying picnics.

Burl was an avid 3-wheeler. He loved to ride teaching his son, Jerry and grandson, Shae. It wasn't long before the boys' skill level met and surpassed him. They explored all the marked and unmarked trails on the mountain. No trail was missed, but what Burl really liked was riding the high dangerous trails, racing with the boys on who could pull off the most exciting high point. When Shae and Jerry weren't available, he would often take his wife with him. Hanging on for dear life, Burl would take her up some of his favorite high and dangerous trails and then would try to convince her she was having a good time. One thing for sure, if you couldn't find Burl, he and Dorothy were probably out enjoying camping and 3-wheeling.

Burl loved spending time with his family. His favorite place besides his shop was outside with a cold beer or two and a bonfire, hanging out with family and friends...talking, telling storied, jokes and kicking butt at cribbage. He could always make you laugh. I will never remember Burl without thinking of him in his conductor's hat and bib overalls, sitting outside BSing, sipping on a cold beer with family and friends.

Per Burl's wishes, a memorial service will not be held. However, a celebration of life will be held early fall, his favorite season. As he wished, he was cremated, and his ashes will be spread on his beloved mountain by his immediate family. The family appreciates your support and asks, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Yakima Humane Society.

"Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30

One final joke from Burl as told to his wife. A man was walking out of the bathroom and his zipper was down. A lady pointed and said, "Sir, your garage door is open." The man immediately pulled up his zipper and asked, "Did you see the MONSTER TRUCK parked in there?" The lady replied, "No, but I saw a Tonka truck with two flat tires."

May God bless us and keep us safe!