Minnesota's Ed Burdick, Icon Among Legislative Clerks and Secretaries, Dies

by Karl Kurtz

Edward Burdick, 89, the retired long-time chief clerk of the Minnesota House, died yesterday. He worked in the Minnesota House for 62 years, beginning as an intern in 1941. He served as chief clerk 1967-2005. He was one of the longest serving legislative clerks or secretaries in the country.

A statement issued by Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Zellers said in part, "Ed was a Minnesota icon." He was also revered nationally by the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries for his leadership of that group, his commitment and devotion to the institution and his willingness to share his encyclopedic knowledge of the legislative process. An obituary in the Pioneer Press captures some of these qualities, as well as his impartiality that gained the confidence of the 16 speakers that he worked under.

Ed is the only Minnesotan who had a bust of himself installed in the state capitol while he was living. NCSL's Brenda Erickson, who once worked in the Minnesota House, says that on the day that his bust was unveiled, his devoted former staff all wore t-shirts saying, "I'm an Ed head."

With his stentorian voice, upright bearing and shock of white hair, you always knew when Ed Burdick was in the room. And you always learned something when you talked to him. His NCSL family misses him.

Comments

[Butch Speer]

I had the honor to know, learn from, and be mentored by Ed when I began my journay as Clerk. He shared selflessly and was a wonderful teacher. Ed's stories were always self-effacing but wonderfully educational.
When I was invested as ASLCS President I donned the "I'm an Ed Head" tee shirt to show my love and respect. A lion has passed we should all stand and salute Ed Burdick.
Butch Speer

[Diane Bell]

As an associate in ASLCS, I too had the honor to know and learn from Ed. He was always there if you had a question and always made "us associates" feel like there were no dumb questions about anything parliamentary or otherwise.

I agree with Butch's description, "a lion has passed"...he certainly was and will always be a legend. We will miss him.

[Judy Hall]

I would like to add my admiration for Ed along with many others. His stories were legend and my memories of him include his "history 101" course on parliamentary procedure and his long-time friendship with George MacMinn fron Victoria. Just watching them share stories at our annual meeting was the best entertainment ever. He will be truly missed by us all.

[George MacMinn, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC, Canada]

A dear friend and a great Clerk.