ForeverMissed
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   This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, David Burns, born on September 24, 1941 and passed away on November 20, 2017. We will remember him forever. 

  David's Memorial & Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, December 9th, at Redmond Christian Church.   It was well attended, by 226 people. 

   This site includes music, many photos, videos, a Bio by Susie Burns, a Eulogy by Lisa and Aaron Palmer, David's Favorites, Tributes and more. Please feel free to leave a Tribute. 

   The video, which was played at the memorial service, can be viewed at:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Lrsx6WS7D68
  Jami's sing-along song dedication is the final song of video - "See You Again."

November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Today is another somber day for me and our loved ones, my dearest, as we re-live the day of your passing. Having fought the good fight, and given the struggle with that debilitating, evil disease of ALS a run for its money, you were called Home and delivered out of your bodily prison, free from the misery it had become! Your profound joy in the Heavenly presence of your Creator and Lord, (as only we who are left behind and who personally know Jesus, the Light of the World, as our Savior, can imagine), brings us the comfort and solace we need to carry on... And just three days thereafter, as we gathered at the table at Summer Hill to do our best to carry on the Thanksgiving traditions we had enjoyed together as family, you clearly surprised us all, by asking the Lord to provide us with a monumental, full-arc rainbow across the sky in view of our little home overlooking the sun-drenched Terrebonne Valley and fabulous Smith Rock! And your grandson, after gazing at the spectacle with all of us, came to me and told me he thought he could see you walking and dancing across the top of that magnificent rainbow, free from the chains that had bound you here on earth in your last days! God's Peace and Joy be with you, my Beloved... I miss you every day. And will always live you...
September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023
Happy Birthday, Dad. We still miss you so much! You had so many great achievements, countless friends & countless people who truly loved you so much during your life. You were always so honest, wicked intelligent (smartest man I’ve ever known), so kind, very loving, friendly, funny, generous, hard working & a true patriotic (Republican) Christian. You were simply the best, no doubt about it. I was so blessed to call you ‘Dad’ for 44 years. You taught me so much in life. And thanks to you (and Mom), I have a true love of God & country. I know you’re in heaven watching over us. I will keep fighting the good fight & keep doing my best to make you proud. We love you so much, Dad! I know we’ll see you again someday.  Love you, jami & Scott
September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023
Marking this day, your 82nd Birthday! It is still so painfully wrenching to live this day without your beautiful, loving, caring, fun and comedic, intelligent, gentle, kind, honest, humble, courageous, faithful, good and true, heroic spirit gracing my life, like you did for our 49 years of living this earthly life together as one. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing you again--restored, vibrant, pain-free, fully glorious in your heavenly joy and peace with Jesus! I will always love you with all my heart. And it was the great honor of my life to have been your wife through all the rain and sunshine of our lives. Gone too soon...
November 20, 2022
November 20, 2022
5 years now... Five long years since you left us here and went to be with your Lord Jesus in that Great Mansion in the Sky! We miss you beyond words and the world is sorely lacking your beautiful light! Celebrate yourself while you're up there with your mama, your buddies Cork, Kenny, and now Tom. And all those other friends and admirers you collected over your amazing life that I can't even think of right now! Thank you for being such a glorious part of our lives.
September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022
We miss you every day, Dad/David. We think about you all the time. Wishing you peace.. And we know you are an angel watching over us.  We love you very much.
September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022. I keep seeing the number 81 flash before me. The age you would be today if you were here. I remember your last birthday celebration here on earth...when you had your family around you and we celebrated your turning 76! What a rough and challenging year that last one was for you. For us all. It's a cold comfort to know you're free from all that pain and degradation you went through with ALS, a Veterans Administration rated 100% service-connected disability. Thank you for being the beautiful light and blessing you were to this miserable old world... Have a Happy Birthday celebration in Heaven with your loved ones there. I love you and miss you every day...
September 24, 2021
September 24, 2021
I don't think I have any pics but I can say that I really miss that little guy who had the biggest heart!
September 24, 2021
September 24, 2021
Having been painfully aware of this remarkable date approaching, for weeks now, my mind and heart are turned toward you today, David. You were a most remarkable, wonderful, humble and kind, delightful, honorable man! So easy to love! Today would've been your 80th! I will celebrate you in my heart and mind today especially. Happy 80th Birthday in Heaven, my Beloved. I'm so grateful to our loving Lord Jesus that you do not have to witness the destruction of the country you served and died for...what a hell-hole America is now! I can't hardly wait to get out of here and join you there! Give Cork and Patti & Kenny and your folks my love and a hug for me! See you soon!
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Three years now... lying awake in the middle of the night...remembering...all that we had. All that we once were.

Such a gawd-awful year 2020 has been! I'm grateful you haven't had to live through it here. As much as I miss you, which is still at times, unbearably too much... You're in such a better place than this! Our beloved country is being stolen from us patriots by communists, anarchists, and brainwashed idiots! (Known commonly as the democrats). The country you served and ultimately gave your life for is being squandered by a pack of evildoers the likes of which I never could've dreamed possible. And yet here we are, on the teetering brink of losing America to a pack of corrupt, brainless dweebs...

But our God reigns! And He's about to put His Foot down, isn't He?! I look forward to the Rapture or my coming Home singly soon, whichever comes first! Till then, just know somehow, that I miss you more than words can convey. I love you still, every day. I will see you again soon! Stay strong! For me! Send me another white feather soon...
November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019
My Beloved... just as your first name, David, translates into, from the Hebrew...Beloved!
Today marks Year Two of your departure for Heaven. I am so comforted and blessed to know where you are and the joy and peace and bounty your soul now enjoys. I am nonetheless tearful, somber and in a world of my own in mind and heart today, as I was yesterday...
Yes, I am reminded daily of the lifetime-long union we once shared and how rare and beautiful it had become! And I'm reminded of how, sadly, I marked our 50th Anniversary this year without you...quietly and unto myself.
I am reasonably well, all things considered. Still being "treated" for the post-concussion issues I sustained that Christmas Eve morning, in 2016, on the deck steps with you in your fractured ankle crisis. Perhaps, some of the newer surgical procedures "they" have developed since then to relieve the Trigeminal Neuralgia in my face and head will help me to resume my daily living free from head pain. There's a clinic for such people as I now named for the T.N. I deal with daily in Portland, at OHSU, where I will check in on 12/12/19
Our Summer Hill home is still in the family. And the Lord brought to me a very loving and sweet and wonderful little mommy, daddy and baby girl to live there this last summer! They fell in love with it just as we had! Best friends of our new pastor & wife and their brand new baby girl! Maybe in a couple of years or so plan to buy it. But God made it very clear to me that they were His answer to my prayers for the happiest of solutions for Summer Hill, our girls, and Him. So far, it's been a great heaven-sent answer.
So for now, my Beloved, know that I miss you continuously, and am comforted knowing you've been freed from the prison the ALS made of your physical body. I will always, always, always love you. Till we meet again, have fun with all your reunited family and friends... Think of me now and then, if you will... sbc
PS. Thank you so much for all my white feathers! Just where and when I needed a reminder of your presence near me!
September 26, 2019
September 26, 2019
I began the observation of what would have been your 78th Birthday on the evening before with a walk along our mostly untraveled road. With your little loving lap pal, Jake. We had a lovely walk of solitude in holy communion with Father God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit and you! It was an Alleluia capsule of bittersweet memories of you and us. In the sunset minutes of brilliant colors, clouds, and snow-dusted Cascade Mountains, I listened for you and you were there. Smiling, loving, joyous and made new again. It was a blessing I carried with me all through your 78th Birthday, in whatever I was doing... But we were together again in thought and soul. I love you, David Burns. Eternally.
April 26, 2019
April 26, 2019
My Dear Booggitty...
I will forever love you and miss you. And yet at times, I know you're right here with me, in spirit and in Love. I know you are in a joyous, comfortable, abundant Paradise with Father God, Christ Jesus and our Holy Spirit. I hope you are happy knowing that you were right when you told me I was too young to never remarry. You and the Holy Spirit did a slam dunk with our dear brother in Christ and friend, Marty. He is good to me. As you were. I think of you every day, many, many times a day. God, give your good and faithful servant the very best days of his heavenly life... Peace and Grace to you and your long departed, newly reacquainted loved ones. You were My Everything... --sbc
November 20, 2018
November 20, 2018
Remembering our amazing dad today. I am also thankful for my friends, family, and loved ones who knew & loved my awesome & inspiring dad. I believe he is an angel in heaven smiling down on us & watching over us. Thank you, Lord, for the best blessing in life that I could have ever asked for. Even though he’s gone and we miss him terribly, he still inspires me today and everyday to be the best human being I can be...  Dad, you were simply the best! We love & miss you soo much. Please save a place by your side up there in heaven. XO ~ jami & Scott
September 24, 2018
September 24, 2018
Remembering it all again, on this day: my priceless gem of a husband on his "woulda been 77th birthday." Eyes fill with watery tears, heart breaks for my unspeakable loss all over again, but at the same time my spirit soars with boundless gratitude to our awesome Lord Jesus for the immense, immeasurable and indescribable impact this man had on my life! He was my life! For 49 years! Like he and I had to do so many times in our married life, I am now finding my way back up-side again to, through the rest of my life, with Jesus as my confidante, my shelter, my guide and Great Love...picking up a piece of my heart here, one there, fitting together the fracture lines, rebuilding my heart into one that can be of service to my Lord God, in David's honor. Dance a happy dance in Heaven, my dear husband...reunited in loving arms of long lost loved ones... see you again one day... I will always love you!
September 24, 2018
September 24, 2018
Happy birthday, Dad. :)
We are thinking of you today and celebrating your life, with some volcano meatloaf and birthday cake.
You're the best. We love you always and forever.
Love,
Lisa, Aaron, Sophie & Henry
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
January 3, 2018
January 3, 2018
David will be missed. I am grateful for the short time that I knew him.
December 27, 2017
December 27, 2017
[the following comments are transcribed from the Guest Book at David's Celebration of Life Service, December 9th, 2017, 3pm, Redmond Christian Church, Redmond, OR]

God bless you Susie. --Linda Peck

God Bless You All. --Bill Browning

God Bless you. Love you. --Chris White

God bless you. --Bill & Darlene Winnett

God be with you. --Bud, Donna & Mark Burns

Love in Christ Jesus. --Michael & Betty Brannon

Dear David & Susie, I have been soooo blessed to have had both of you in my life! I will never, ever forget your generosity and friendship during the Summer of 2016 when I stayed at Summer Hill. The memories, laughs and loves will always remain in my heart as my enduring love for the both of you. Always & Forever, Winga & Prada

Love to all. --Jim & Karin Watts

God's love and blessings always. --Linda Pheasant

Love you so much. --Wayne & Beth

I'm proud to be David's and your granddaughter. --Sophie

David, You were the Best Friend and an Angel. I love you and miss you so. I wish I had been a better friend to you and not have wasted a minute. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. --Love, Kat (Katrina Ross-Schulzke)

--Tony & Janet Montoya

--Fran Payne

--Abby & Kassy

Much love & tears. --Russell & Melody Luloff

Love you, Susie. --Ray & Diane Dodd

--Linda O'Neal

Love you. --Ken & Nancy Mills

I love you, Papa, to the heavens and beyond. --Tina Grant

--Larry & Jeannine Kuhn

--Ruth Burman

--Jim & Pat Wilson

--Steve & Barbara Wedell, representing the Astoria Gang: Ron & Muriel Jensen, Barbara Stapleton, Steve & Deb Schendel

--Rose Raines, Brentwood Manor

--Betty Martinez, Brentwood Manor

Dave, we are gong to miss you--we had fun working together. God Bless. --Robert & Margaret Glembocki

--Robert & Buffy Mohr

I love you all! --Sandy Connell

We were blessed to know David and your entire family. --Nancy Shaw

--Laurie J. Uding

Blessings. We will never look at a stool the same again! --Wayne & Tanya

What a blessed, blessed man --Allen & Sue Currier

So thankful I got to meet David. He made a big and wonderful impression. Always with God's Love, --Kathleen Tobin

Susie, We all hope this day never comes to loved ones but we know they go in Grace to a place of only love. --Betty Hale

Susie, We love you and David. --Bill Sager & Carolyn Hansen

Precious Susie, We love you & will certainly miss dear David. -- Dick & Carolyn Danielson

We love you both so very much! Thank you for being a huge inspiration and blessing in our lives. You will be missed David! All our love, Jade & Nikki

Susie, We will miss your David. We love you! --John & Jenny Asmunson

Our Prayers are with you. --Del & Becky Hopper

We love you both. --Tom & Lolita

Love you so much Susie. We are always just a walk away. --Linds, Chris, CJ, Darwin

So much love to leave as your legacy David; we are all blessed. Susie & family--God's blessings and comfort keep you. --Love, Tessa

May the Peace and Strength of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you each and every day, Susie, with the incredible memories you and David shared. --Love, Mark Hemmerick

Susie, David & BJ Butler. We love you. Will miss David so much.

We are blessed to have known David. He is missed, but we expect to see him again. --Love, JR & Linda

We love you! --Dick & Clair

I love you Grandma Susie. You have been an inspiration to me! David has been an inspiration to me too. He will always be in our hearts / minds 4ever! Love and hugs to you / your family. Call me anytime. 541-706-0995. --Tiffany

Love you a bushel & a peck! --Wade & Kathi Parker

--Wanda Hardgrave

--Marijane Boyd

David will definitely be missed. We love you, Susie! --Bob & Althea Meyer

David--Knowing you was the best birthday gift I received. --Henry, Your :-) grandson

--Matt & Kristy Radford

--Jami Burns & Scott Barker
December 26, 2017
December 26, 2017
I didn’t know David or your family but wanted to share some words of encouragement. From your comments I can see David truly had an impact on the lives of those around him. We can take comfort in knowing that in the near future God promises in John 5:28, 29 that there will be a resurrection so we can welcome our loved ones back. Until that time — deep sympathy— Julia
December 11, 2017
December 11, 2017
I knew David when we were both members of a local writers group several years ago. He was such a good writer, and his stories were most compelling and enjoyable, illustrative of his creativity and imagination. He very kindly complimented my writing, as I did his. He was a true gentleman, thoughtful and blessed with a ready wit, which was always appreciated by his fellow writers. Sadly, I just learned of the struggle he dealt with during his final years before his passing. The earth was a better place by his presence, and he shall be greatly missed. I am thankful that he left his written words as his legacy. My condolences to his family, and many thanks for honoring him with this memorial website.
December 10, 2017
December 10, 2017
Sweet David, kind, generous, humble, and sensitive human being! You always appeared with a sweet smile and a hug. I was deeply grieved to hear about the ALS. Since Cannon Beach days, over 25 years ago, I've only known you as one - David and Susie. My heart aches to see you separated. But I praise God for the gift you were to me and all who knew you. I am blessed to have had you both in my life. David Burns I am thankful for the Everlasting Hope we have - knowing that I will see you again one day. My thoughts, prayers and heart are with you Susie Q. May God's great Love and Grace carry you through this journey. Love you.
December 9, 2017
December 9, 2017
It has been too long since I have spent time with the Burns family, but I remember David as being such a kind and gentle soul with a ready smile. Rest in Peace, David. You were loved beyond measure.
December 7, 2017
December 7, 2017
Wow! Life passes by too fast sometimes. I did not know brother David long enough. I will cherish the brief time I was blessed to walk with him. As we journey through this path of life, we meet people along the way who encourage us, laugh with us and even share tears with us. I was beginning to realize David as one of those wonderful people. A felt a forever friendship and will miss him.
December 6, 2017
December 6, 2017
David, what an honor to have known you. I'm so sorry that I didn't make it to see you before you passed. You are in a better place you lucky bum :-) All of us who have had the pleasure of knowing you will miss you so much, until we're reunited with our heavenly father. I can't make it on Saturday, I thought the memorial was in the am so I scheduled in the pm......oh Maureen!!! I will be with you in spirit and I will be sure and keep your beautiful, wonderful wife laughing as much as I can. Love you!!!
December 6, 2017
December 6, 2017
Dear Susie-Q and family~ David was one of the kindest souls that I have had the privilege of knowing. His humor and wit had me laughing within the first moments of meeting you both. His love and adoration for you was beyond compare. I wish we had all met earlier in life so that I could have known him longer-to have enjoyed you both in different circumstances. Your family rally to your amazing husband during his illness has been inspirational. I am grateful for his service to us, to his Country, and for the sacrifice he made for us all. Susie, I am in awe of your grace, love, and attentiveness to his honorable man through this extraordinarily difficult process. My sincerest sympathies go out to you, your family, and friends for your loss. You are in my heart always.
December 6, 2017
December 6, 2017
I did not know the Burns very well when they stepped into my office less than a year ago. I could sense immediately that they were God fearing people with the giving and caring way that they communicated, and David he had such an infectious smile. Shortly after our first meeting I saw them at the store and Susie told me that David had a diagnoses of ALS. I was upset that the Lord had put such a good man and woman through such a trial in their lives. David had already been through a lot with his addictive behavior. After I found out of his passing I was truly upset and want you to know that for the short time that I had known you and David, both of you made a lasting impact in my life. You are truly soldiers of our Lord, spreading his word as you go. God has big plans for David Burns! You should be very proud of that man.
December 5, 2017
December 5, 2017
This note is from our dear sister in the Lord, and one of our closest of friends, Jon Ella Miler in Spokane, from her Sympathy card: " Nov.28, 2017. Oh Sweet Susie--From my heart to yours my deepest, heartfelt love and sympathy and sorrow in your loss. Our comfort is "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." I always admired the way you two loved each other. What an example of what "being married" truly is. You both have gone through deep trials in your lives and have clung to the Lord and each other. Your love roots are deep and it grew your faith. Keep clinging! Love you deeply, Jon Ella. I am sorry I can't attend David's Service as I will be in North Carolina attending my grandson, Tyler's graduation from Seminary. He and his wife have 4 little girls. Miss you, Hugging you--hard..."
December 5, 2017
December 5, 2017
[from Nancy Shaw] When  I remember David, I will remember a kind, loving, gentle, Godly man with the greatest smile ever. I will remember how he touched the life of my son, Scott, and I will remember how he walked with God in this life and has shown how to gracefully enter the next with dignity, faith and trust. He will never be forgotten by anyone who was lucky enough to be touched by his life.  God's Holy Light truly shined in this man and will continue to shine in all of our hearts forever til we meet again.  We are blessed that we will see David through the eyes of our beautiful daughter-in-law, Jami, and all of her precious memories. There are no words to fully describe the love and devotion of this family this past year.  I would have to write another page about Susie, but the most amazing thing was how she and David continued, Faithfully,, Neverending, to carry the word of God to all, at the most difficult (beyond words) time.  David left this world surrounded by the love of his family.  I pray for God's comfort and blessings and healing to this dear family.  Love, Nancy [Thank you, dear sister...]
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
"You always made my troubles feel so small.. And you were always there to catch me when I'd fall.. In a world where heroes come and go,
Well, God just took the only one I know. So I'll hold you as close as I can. Longing for the day, when I see your face again." ~ Donna Taggart in "Jealous of the Angels," a song to be played at the memorial service.
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
A lovely Sympathy card from our Case Manager, Cassie, at Council on Aging, Deschutes County...
"Please know that you and your sweet family are in the hearts and prayers of everyone here at the Council on Aging. It was an honor to meet David and connect with you both. Please take care of yourself and contact me for anything. --Cassie & The Council Staff
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
This note is from a beautiful Sympathy card from dear friends from our previous church in Bend...
"David was such a great guy. We loved his sense of humor and the joy he displayed--even in the hard times. We will miss him so very much. We are asking the Lord to carry you dear Susie, through this difficult time. Sending our love & many prayers. Dick & Carolyn"
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
This note is from a beautiful Sympathy card from our dear friend and sister in Christ we had the honor and privilege to know through our former church in Bend...
"David's suffering is now over--he is rejoicing with our Lord in his new healthy form. I know prayers are asking the Lord for your peace and comfort at this extremely difficult time. Thank goodness the Lord is with you, and your family surrounds you. David was a wonderful caring husband--who REALLY loved you. I am so glad I had a chance for a visit near the end. God bless you and the family! May He grant you peace! Love, Aleta"
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
This note is from a beautiful Sympathy Card sent from our pastor's wife's mom, Sharon...
"I was so saddened to hear about David. He was such a sweet man and will be missed by many. My prayers are with you..."
December 1, 2017
December 1, 2017
David will be remembered as a sweet and gentle man. I am so sorry for your loss Susie.
December 1, 2017
December 1, 2017
I knew David and Susie from Cannon Beach. What I remember most about him is his kindness, gentle spirit and quiet strength and the delicious omelette he whipped up for Susie and I for dinner when I "overstayed" my time at their apartment watching a Blazer game. I say overstayed because I loved being there and never liked leaving the emotional warmth of their home. Years have passed and I have lost touch with them but I saw his obit in the Daily Astorian yesterday and it broke my heart. I love you Susie and my heart is with you during this time of sorrow....
December 1, 2017
December 1, 2017
David has been my big brother since I was very little, i think my first memories of him was when he came home from overseas while in the Navy, he brought us green licorice from San Francisco, it was awesome! I have been in awe of him ever since. I will always remember his smile and wit and that little chuckle he had when something tickled him. I remember how happy he was when he married the love of his life, Susie, and the enduring love she has for him, and when his daughters were born, nothing more precious I have ever seen. He will live on in my heart.
November 29, 2017
November 29, 2017
It was an honor for me to be David's son-in-law. I considered him a good friend, as well. He set the bar in so many ways that I strive to live up to. I loved him a lot, and already miss him so much.
November 27, 2017
November 27, 2017
I only knew David a short while but I will miss him dearly. He was such a gentle soul.
November 27, 2017
November 27, 2017
David, I could tell you were loved by many and will be missed.
November 27, 2017
November 27, 2017
I feel so fortunate to have known David, even for a short time. From the moment I met him, his eyes smiled, his demeanor gentle; he radiated a special kindness that is not often found in this world. The love between David and Susie is a special kind of love that carried them both through his battle with ALS. He now rests, in peace and honor. Much love to you and your family.
November 27, 2017
November 27, 2017
How i met David and Susie Burns, was wen i went to celebrate recovery
And met the both of them there. After a while i got to know them better i adopted them as my grandparents cause at the time mine lived in Bend.
They were very awesome people, i hugged them every time i saw them.
But wen i found out he had A.L.S i was very sad. I will miss my grandpa David forever. My luv and hugs to the family. I will c you all at the funeral on Saturday Dec.9th. Luv you and miss u bunches.
November 26, 2017
November 26, 2017
I always enjoyed being with David; however, I don't feel that I really knew him. Apparently he was dearly loved by his family, and that is an inspiration to me. I pray that I'll be able to spend some quality time with him in Heaven.
November 26, 2017
November 26, 2017
That smile, that wit, that kindness, what a gift you were in my life. I feel so blessed to have the time I did as your friend.
November 26, 2017
November 26, 2017
We are truly grateful and thankful for getting to share in a wee part of your amazing life journey. Your wit and laughter will be missed here on earth but so looking forward to meeting up with you in heaven to hear more stories. I am thankful you are no longer hurting but sad you had to leave so soon. Until we meet again my friend!
November 24, 2017
November 24, 2017
My Beloved...My Honey Boy...My Booggitty... My Khoodlee... My Man...My Burnsy...My Love...My Hero...My Champion...My Everything...My One & Only... I can barely breathe without your beautiful strength and goodness here beside me. If you can, please watch over me from your joyous park bench in heaven. Don't forget me...Come back to visit me. Please. Oh, God-- I miss you beyond words to express. How grateful I am to our loving Lord who saved you from the evil imprisonment of your ALS-riddled body...but the cost you had to pay...the cost to me is...insurmountable! May God take me Home soon that I might be with you again. You were my sheltering oak.
November 24, 2017
November 24, 2017
Remembering David. He was an amazing man, who blessed everyone with his faith, kindness, and words of wisdom. Our prayers and sympathies are with your family. Love, Sandy, Josh, Kiera and Brody Connell
November 23, 2017
November 23, 2017
This memorial was created in honor of David H. Burns of Terrebonne, Oregon. David was born on September 24, 1941 in South Bend, Washington, and passed on November 20, 2017 in Bend, Oregon. David was one in a billion, and was an extremely remarkable man. He was truly loved by so many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.
November 23, 2017
November 23, 2017
You have no idea how much I already miss you and will miss you for the rest of my life. I was SO blessed to be able to call you "Dad."
November 23, 2017
November 23, 2017
We love you so much, Dad. You are our inspiration, our role model and our hero. I will look up to you forever and ever.

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Recent Tributes
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Today is another somber day for me and our loved ones, my dearest, as we re-live the day of your passing. Having fought the good fight, and given the struggle with that debilitating, evil disease of ALS a run for its money, you were called Home and delivered out of your bodily prison, free from the misery it had become! Your profound joy in the Heavenly presence of your Creator and Lord, (as only we who are left behind and who personally know Jesus, the Light of the World, as our Savior, can imagine), brings us the comfort and solace we need to carry on... And just three days thereafter, as we gathered at the table at Summer Hill to do our best to carry on the Thanksgiving traditions we had enjoyed together as family, you clearly surprised us all, by asking the Lord to provide us with a monumental, full-arc rainbow across the sky in view of our little home overlooking the sun-drenched Terrebonne Valley and fabulous Smith Rock! And your grandson, after gazing at the spectacle with all of us, came to me and told me he thought he could see you walking and dancing across the top of that magnificent rainbow, free from the chains that had bound you here on earth in your last days! God's Peace and Joy be with you, my Beloved... I miss you every day. And will always live you...
September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023
Happy Birthday, Dad. We still miss you so much! You had so many great achievements, countless friends & countless people who truly loved you so much during your life. You were always so honest, wicked intelligent (smartest man I’ve ever known), so kind, very loving, friendly, funny, generous, hard working & a true patriotic (Republican) Christian. You were simply the best, no doubt about it. I was so blessed to call you ‘Dad’ for 44 years. You taught me so much in life. And thanks to you (and Mom), I have a true love of God & country. I know you’re in heaven watching over us. I will keep fighting the good fight & keep doing my best to make you proud. We love you so much, Dad! I know we’ll see you again someday.  Love you, jami & Scott
September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023
Marking this day, your 82nd Birthday! It is still so painfully wrenching to live this day without your beautiful, loving, caring, fun and comedic, intelligent, gentle, kind, honest, humble, courageous, faithful, good and true, heroic spirit gracing my life, like you did for our 49 years of living this earthly life together as one. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing you again--restored, vibrant, pain-free, fully glorious in your heavenly joy and peace with Jesus! I will always love you with all my heart. And it was the great honor of my life to have been your wife through all the rain and sunshine of our lives. Gone too soon...
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Untitled

December 27, 2017

[I found the following excerpt from possibly a larger written work on David's laptop after his passing...don't think he'd mind now my sharing with you... --Susie]

Sept. 2014

   Just this week the weather has cooled a bit, and fall is in the air. I really can't express how much we love living where we are! What a great feeling for us to realize again and again that we just feel blessed and are so thankful to have, almost by accident, landed here! Surely directed by a higher authority. The comfortable little house, the pleasant two acres, and the grandiose view. The brown and green buttes across the way with dun-colored rock outcroppings like bones pushing out of the earth, and the shadows and sunlight playing across them as the day progresses. And the green and golden fields below divided by the north-south running highway, along with the train tracks and a fine variety of trees beyond, the Ochoco Mountains to the East, dark green to blues and purples, and to the West, the magnificent snow-capped Cascade Mountains! And at night we see sparse white lights from the little village of Terrebonne not too far below us and if it's a dark moonless night, standing on our deck about 6 feet above the ground, with the stars sparkling all around, lights below and a hush all about, our feet not quite on the ground and not quite in the sky, it's like we've stepped right into eternity.
   Didn't mean to try to be poetic there, just wanted to try to describe our setting here a bit. Today the sky is blue and there are several white "beauty clouds" around, as our local weatherman likes to call them. 

BIO

December 15, 2017

BIO

DAVID H. BURNS

Born September 24, 1941  ~~  Passed November 20, 2017

 

Some explanation about the dash between those two dates… David “Burnsy” “Huck” “Huckleberry” Burns went to his Heavenly Home on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Hospice House, Bend, Oregon where he had been transferred just three days prior, from his home in north Redmond, Oregon. He suffered honorably and admirably the debilitation and utter devastation the ALS had wrought the last 15 months of his life with us. David fought the good fight, gasping his last breath, with his wife of 48 years by his side. And that last breath was just 2-3 minutes before Pastor Greg returned to be with David and Susie, after having spent a time of quiet reflection, Scripture and prayer in one-on-one time with David.

 

Born in South Bend, WA to Freda and James E. Burns in 1941, he was 76 years old when he left us. As a child, David experienced far too much of his violently alcoholic parents who were both in their 20s, and along with his two older siblings, would live in countless locales during his childhood—Bemidji, Brainerd, Fargo, as well as Oregon’s Cow Creek, Canyonville, Devil’s Flat, Myrtle Creek, Timber and Lee’s Camp. There would be a Fargo orphanage in his early childhood--operated by some “unfriendly” nuns; and there was the cab or the back-end of an old flatbed truck. There was a vacant, breezy mining shack one Minnesota winter, a room in a flop-house hotel where all five of them would sleep in a double bed—unless the parents were gone drinking. David and his siblings were on a first-name basis with Mr. Starvation. There were stays with various relatives and neighbors of relatives. (David was often separated from his family members--never knowing when or how or even if he might be reunited with them).  

 

These and other temporary shelter situations were all “homes” to David growing up. Sometimes, he would go to sleep a new student in one school and his folks would suddenly move in the middle of the night; and he’d awaken a new student in another school—and the “new kid" stuff would start all over again!

 

As a teenage boy living alone in an abandoned bunkhouse in a closed-down logging camp in the Coast Range of Oregon, David would scavenge for food and other “amenities” in a nearby dump, and do his best to live off the land. But David would then be rescued by the Hand of God and a gracious miracle was delivered to him. The Les & Delores Blount Family of Lee’s Camp surely saved our beloved David from starvation and homelessness. He would experience his first stable home life, in a family of two parents, the father working steadily as a sawyer in a nearby mill, the mother a homemaker and full-time mom to her own four other kids, and her new “foster” son, David.

 

Attending roughly 20-some schools before graduating from Forest Grove Union High School in Oregon, David would later look back on his life and count over forty places he had lived in his lifetime. He’d tally some sixty-plus jobs, including, as he would say, “four years, three months and 2 days” in the US Navy as a Sonar Tech, 3rd Class Petty Officer. His naval job was mostly aboard a couple destroyers during the Vietnam Era—and early on, one was assigned to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missle Crisis, but he also had tours of duty in the Mediterranean, other areas of the Caribbean, the Black Sea and other waters.

 

After his honorable discharge in ‘66, David returned to civilian life in Oregon. Settling in Hillsboro, on his own again. There he would meet the love of his life in a newly forming community theatre group. See, the next door neighbors to Les & Delores strongly suggested, or as David liked to joke, he was “dragged,” to the next meeting of a local community theatre group, which just happened to have been started by Susie and her former high school drama coach. I guess David figured it was something different to do besides closing down the usual tavern stops. And it was quite literally love at first sight for them—in that high school drama classroom, back in the summer of ’68. After a brief courtship—first date August 10th, engaged September 15, married April 19th, 1969—David married Susan Moser at The Chapel of the Hills on Mt. Hood—a non-denominational by the way! She was 19, he was 27. And the Hand of God had profoundly moved in David's life again.

 

David & Susie, or Dave & Sue as they were known back then, made their home in Washington County, Oregon and started their own family—9 months and 1 day after their wedding day to be exact! That raised a few family eyebrows back in the day! Three years later after their Lisa was born, they were blessed with another adorable baby girl, Jami.

 

In 1980, the happy, loving family of four moved out of  the teen-age gang-ridden Forest Grove, selling their beloved “Ashburn Manor,” a lovely 2-story Federal Classic home built in 1910 in the Knob Hill District, one of the more historic neighborhoods of Forest Grove. David moved his family to the slower-paced North Oregon Coast to the smaller town of Seaside. The change of schools was a stressful time for their daughters, however, causing David to vow that if he could, Lord blessing, he would do whatever it took to allow his daughters the security and quiet joy of being able to remain in the same school district until their high school graduation! Since he never had the remotest chance of ever having that for himself and because of his own childhood experiences, he wanted to stop the multiple-school attendance for his beautiful girls. And God honored the desire of David’s heart.

 

Buying a smaller, modest house in Seaside, David & Susie then bought a franchise women’s wear store in Astoria, and they continued raising their two world-class daughters on the beautiful North Oregon Coast. Daughters who, by the way—

because of their father’s example of sensitively and sacrificially loving their mom and them; because of his honorable behavior in all he tried to do, in all his relationships, because of his example of always striving to do his best in all endeavors, because of his example of stopping the violent alcoholism he’d grown up in of stopping all the ugliness that came with his parents’ alcoholism he so sadly knew of stopping the craziness—AT HIM…

these two daughters, his legacy, would go on to choose wisely and marry their own soul-mates, each of them using the measure of their heroic father as their yardstick!

 

David & Susie’s sons-in-law would each soon become as much loved and cherished in their lives as their own daughters, often referring to either Scott or Aaron as their “son.” God’s Hands have been busy in this man’s life! It’s only natural that amazing grandchildren would figure into this Hand of God equation.

 

Aside from his work in their retail women’s wear store—doing the maintenance, inventory control, shipping and receiving, accounting, etc.—David would of course continue his writing, as a correspondent for The Oregon Journal in Portland and the Seaside Signal, and his own creative writing endeavors.

 

In 1999, well after their girls had graduated high school with having to only change public schools once in their lives, David & Susie experienced the Hand of God again…as the Lord brought about a welcome change of scene in both their work and home lives. While in Lincoln City, God opened a way for Susie to work at her dream job in the publishing world of Western New York. There they enjoyed exploring some of the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, the Allegheny Mtns. and Niagara Falls. And epic snowfall! David actually enjoyed shoveling their long circular driveway, even when it was several feet over his head! “Get’s the blood up!”

 

But in 2000, while in NY, David’s horrific childhood would rear its ugly head again, dragging him down further than ever! Diagnosed with PTSD, major depression and dissociative amnesia, he would be under the professional care of a nationally renowned psychologist who just “happened” to be specialized in PTSD. While recovering in the sanctuary of his home, David would write feature articles for several Western New York newspapers, and complete and publish his first novel, 25 years in the making, “Day Follow Night: From Chaos To Redemption.” Now out of print, but there are a few copies floating around on Amazon. And Susie will be looking to have it reprinted down the road.

 

David and Susie returned to Oregon in 2004, moving to Bend to take positions as assistant-managers at a retirement facility in 2005, having sought God’s Hand to allow them to retire to this climate of 300(+/-) days of sunshine a year. The retirement facility team job must have been God’s sense of humor about retiring, or else He didn’t hear them right! After almost a year of 60-80 hour work weeks—each—under the tyranny of one of the world’s worst managers ever, the retirement facility management positions were put in their rearview mirror. David and Susie took the handsome severance package offered them in lieu of their filing a lawsuit and waited for God’s Hand to move again in their lives… But hey, The Lord had gotten them to Central Oregon.

 

In 2013, God’s Hand moved them to their beloved Summer Hill where they have continuously thanked and praised Him for His Wisdom and Provision in blessing them with their open air sanctuary. In 2015, the Lord then brought them to their beloved Redmond Christian Church where they have continuously thanked and praised Him for His Love and Grace in providing them their long-sought faith family and a loving pastor who actually knows them by name. In 2016, they both retired, intending to while away their hours at Summer Hill.

 

In the fall of 2015, just after finding their church home, David became active in Celebrate Recovery (Friday nights here at Redmond Christian); he observed his 31st Anniversary of being clean and sober this last September. He gave his Testimony for CR in May of 2016 here and at several other area churches as well, and the story he told is still having its impact on believers and nonbelievers alike. Despite his years of counseling and medication, and a loving wife in a happy home, it was Celebrate Recovery that gave him a sense of worth and helped to deliver him from the torment that plagued him all his adult life. On his way home from a CR meeting in February of 2016, he pulled his little black pickup over alongside the highway and had an epiphany moment with His Lord & Savior.

Through it all, he always kept writing. Some dark stories, some children’s stories, some Christian work, and recently he published his 2nd book, “You Can Write A Million Dollar Memoir.” Also available on Amazon! It was a market-test book as a prelude to his long-awaited memoir…

 

Active in the Central Oregon Writers Guild, David was diagnosed with ALS in April, 2017, with initial symptoms becoming evident in retrospect in September of 2016. David somehow was able to finish his memoir, “Kid On Fire” this last summer, typing his last chapter with his left index finger and with a bit of flexion still remaining in his left arm and hand. His family will collaborate with the help of one of his colleagues from the Guild to get it published as soon as possible.  

 

This last Thanksgiving Day, just three days after his passing, David somehow managed to send his family, gathered for dinner at Summer Hill, a magnificent long-lasting, complete rainbow as a greeting—assuring them of his newfound freedom, his new body rebuilt in Joy. Hallelujah, David has been set free from his earthly body that had become his prison, the ALS even taking his voice and ability to speak in the end.

 

As his grandson Henry said, looking at this most magnificent rainbow with his Gramma, “Maybe Grampa is walking across the top of it right now!”  

A Veterans Day Tribute to My Dad. 11/11/2017

November 24, 2017

On Veterans Day, I honor all who served. Thank you to all veterans for your service & sacrifice!

Today and everyday I am grateful for my dad, David Burns, an amazing man and Navy veteran. He has truly achieved the American Dream and is a great role model to us.

His job as a sailor in the U.S. Navy was just one of dozens & dozens of jobs that he's had in his lifetime. He's been a successful Real Estate Agent on the Oregon Coast, and a successful U.S. Census Bureau Agent. He's been a bus driver for the City of Bend, and has worked for Bend Parks & Rec. He's been a Property Manager, and has had other jobs in management. He spent many years co-managing the biggest grocery/deli in Cannon Beach. And while there, he practically knew the whole town (and met celebrities).. And of course, he was Mr. Popular there, as well as at many other workplaces he's had. I've often heard wonderful comments about him, and I knew at a young age that I was a lucky girl to have him as my dad.

My dad has served his country, his family and his church. He's also been a caregiver, volunteer and donator countless times to his church and to those in need. He's had many roles in churches over the years, including a leader of sorts in Celebrate Recovery. Not long ago he gave his testimony speech to a full audience at my parents' church.. After speaking about his life and 30+ years of sobriety (not a sip of alcohol), he was given a standing ovation and some tearful hugs. He can easily make an audience laugh & cry with his amazing talent of creative writing. My dad has many other talents including public speaking, and has also served couples at ceremonies as a deacon.

My dad is a published novelist and a published non-fiction author. He has been a journalist for several newspapers, a published writer of short stories, and a Creative Writing award winner. He is also a bookworm. He has exceptional talents in writing, great skills and knowledge in literature, and has gotten great grades throughout his college education (Portland Community College & Portland State University), majoring in English.

Most people are strong in either English and the Arts or the Sciences and Math. My dad is strong in all subjects (same goes for my mom). He naturally excels in English, but also is brilliant in Math, Geometry, Biology, Geology and more. Whenever I needed help with my homework for any subject, I knew my dad could help me. He is a great tutor & teacher.

My dad is patient, kind and very knowledgeable about most every subject. He also taught me how to drive, after my mom gave up trying to teach me! (Haha) He was also my softball team coach one year. Out of all the many years I played softball in school, the year that my dad was our team coach was my favorite one. My teammates & friends loved him; I was a proud little player!

My dad is the smartest guy I know, too. And this is always a great thing, unless you're playing against him in Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy!  He (and mom) have taught me the value of hard work, as well as doing well in school. And he and my mom have taught me what it means to be a good Christian. He has always worked in the household as much as my mom, too. He is also a fantastic cook! Thanks to both my parents, I truly had the best childhood imaginable. And my sister and I are so lucky to have grown up with a great, solid family on the incomparably beautiful Oregon Coast.

We can't say enough great things about my dad, "Mr. Wonderful," as we call him. He is definitely a renaissance man in every aspect of that definition.

We salute and honor him and all veterans today & always! Thank you, Dad, for being the best example in life to us! And to all veterans today, we sincerely thank you for your service.

~ Jami Burns

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