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Mechanical engineer Michael Burgess, Xpera Group, 1959-2016

A tribute to an industry pro A passionate and prolific engineer, a skilled expert in disputes, and beloved by those he worked with and for, Michael Burgess will be missed.

known for 18 years,” says Xpera president Ted Bumgardner. “Mike won’t ever be replaced. In fact, it would likely take two or three professionals to even come close to meeting his output.” Mike’s practice largely fell into two distinct catego- ries: engineering/design, with Burgess Group, and new/active projects with Xpera; and forensic engi- neering associated with existing projects for the purpose of resolving challenges and conflicts. He first joined Xpera in 2011 as vice president. At See TRIBUTE, page 4 “Mike was not just a colleague, but someone I had known for 18 years. Mike won’t ever be replaced. In fact, it would likely take two or three professionals to even come close to meeting his output.”

By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent

S an Diego-based Xpera Group (#77 Hot Firm for 2015), a construction consulting company, re- cently mourned the loss of Michael Burgess, the lovable and prolific engineer who had fought, and ultimately lost, a courageous battle against cancer. He was 56. Burgess majored in mechanical engineering at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Prior to joining Xpera, he held positions at Natkin Company in Indiana, University Mechanical in Arizona and California, Western Air in California, and for 20 years as an employee and owner with Burgess Group Inc. , a firm founded by his father, Milton. Known for his infectious passion, Burgess served as the dedicated expert in 200 cases, and was expe- rienced in construction management, LEED build- ing commissioning, forensic engineering, and de- sign. “Mike was not just a colleague, but someone I had

THE ZWEIG LETTER July 25, 2016, ISSUE 1161

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