Jeffery S. Burland's Obituary
Jeff passed away suddenly June 28, 2025, in Oxnard, CA at the age of 66. He was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, and joined the US Navy after high school in 1977. During his naval career, Jeff became a Gunner's Mate, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He served aboard the USS Oldendorf 1978-1982, USS Norton Sound 1983-1986 and USS Chancellorsville 1988-1993 where he became a Plank Owner and then again 1996-1999. After serving 22 years, he retired from the Navy and continued serving the USN as a technical instructor at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division for the Vertical Launching System for Navy ships. Once Jeff retired from the DoD in 2021, he worked part time for Precise Systems once again supporting the fleet. Jeff was part of the VLS program since its inception, served in Operation Desert Storm, and provided support for USN testing systems and the Griffin missile program. Jeff was known as a subject matter expert for VLS, a trusted and well-respected instructor, mentor and shipmate.
Jeff's interest in sports was immense. Being from Michigan, he was a dedicated Detroit Lions fan even in the bad years. He cheered on the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings to multiple championships, but his favorite sports events were whenever Michigan beat Ohio State.
His love for sports paled in comparison to those he deeply loved. Jeff leaves behind his wife Donna, son Jason and wife Deborah, son Bryan and wife Bryanna, son Michael and girlfriend Ana, daughter Teresa and husband Luis, stepchildren Stephanie Raff and Austin Raff, grandchildren Elora, Calean, Lucy, Vincent and Ayden, and 'adopted' grandchildren Bradley, Blake, Madeline and Grayson, loving brothers Doug (Connie) and David (Sharon), and numerous nieces and nephews, and other wonderful family members.
A memorial service honoring Jeff's life will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Ivy Lawn Funeral Home, 1075 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA. Reception to follow on the patio at Wagon Wheel Brewery, 2601 Wagon Wheel Rd, Oxnard, CA. If attending, please feel free to wear your favorite sports team attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to www.garysinisefoundation.org.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
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