William Francis Burke

William “Billy” Francis Burke, age 66 of Crestline, CA, passed away on the morning of March 12th, 2025.

Born October 8th, 1958, in Fullerton, CA, William is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Joan Burke of La Canada, CA retiring to Palm Springs, CA.

Billy fought for the last 4 years after receiving his stage-4 lung cancer diagnosis hard and with gumption. He lived everyday as if it was his last and gave it his all. He made great strides to recover and regain strength, however the cancer ultimately won the battle.

Billy is survived by his partner of 7 years, Margaret Motheral of Crestline, CA, his wife Stephanie Hoffman Burke of 29 years of Stockton, MD, father of Alexander Burke (39) and his wife Jamie Burke of Pocomoke City, MD, Raleigh Gabriel (38) and her spouse William V. Gabriel of San Diego, CA, and Grayson Burke (25), his partner Georgia Rae Hazelip, and his grandson Gideon Maxfield Burke (2) of Ojai, CA, his sister Kathy Flores (67) and her spouse David Flores (68)– nieces Julie Flores (26) and Katie Flores (24) of Coto de Caza, CA, and his brother Paul Burke (62) of Mission Viejo, CA.

Billy was raised in La Canada, CA where he eventually met his wife Stephanie in Beverly Hills, CA. They married in 1987 after having Alex and Raleigh in Los Angeles. After a few earthquakes in 1988, Billy and Stephanie decided to raise their kids in a small town and moved to Stephanie’s family home in Pocomoke City, MD, where they lived until 2010.

He was an entrepreneur by trade and started many companies, including Liquidation.com in 1994 which he poured his heart and soul into. Now known as Liquidity Services, he started the largest B2B online platform securing the largest ever known contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to sell usable military surplus property. Later in life he dove headfirst into the auction industry, founding The Jackson Hole Auction Company and later The Auctionarium in 2010 where he handled personal property, real estate and foreclosure auctions. Billy loved being on the road going to the next job site, trying local cuisine, and always chasing the next deal.

Those who knew him would say he was an honest man, who made an impression on their lives for the better. Whether it was a crazy story of his time in Hollywood drinking at Boardners, stealing Oppenheimer’s car in La Canada, or shucking oysters on the bay in Virginia. Billy was a kind man who overcame much adversity throughout his life, but always did it with a smile.

As Billy quoted daily – “F*ck Cancer and Find the Joy in Life”. His pockets weren’t always full but to quote the late Sonny Ray: “You eat like a king, Billy!”. His belly was always full, and he would always share his bounty of his feast with everyone around. His love for life was infectious and always put a smile on the faces of anyone he met.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and an announcement will be made for all friends, family and anyone who knew “Billy Bob Jimmy Jack Ray Rob”, to attend and celebrate his amazing life.