David H. Burns

Published 8:25 am Wednesday, December 6, 2017

September 24, 1941 – November 20, 2017

David H. Burns of Redmond, Oregon, passed away November 20, 2017, after a courageous battle against ALS. He was 76.

Born in South Bend, WA, September 24, 1941, David moved relentlessly as a boy before coming to Oregon logging camps as a teen. He graduated from Forest Grove Union High School. He served his country as a sonar tech on destroyers during Vietnam.

He attended PCC and PSU on the GI Bill. He was a correspondent for the Oregon Journal and Seaside Signal newspapers. He and wife, Susie, and their two daughters lived many years on the northern Oregon coast and were business owners in Astoria during the early ‘80s. In the ‘90s, David was the co-manager of Osburn’s Grocery and Deli in Cannon Beach, and editor/publisher for their Porch Post buzz feed. He was also an award-winning real estate agent in Clatsop County with Coldwell Banker Kent Price and Century 21 Golden Shores. David was always a writer and in ‘05, he published his first novel. His favorite genres: children’s and short stories, essays. He finished his memoir this last summer, using only his left index finger, which had not yet been taken by ALS. It will be published posthumously on Amazon, “Kid On Fire.” An avid reader, David was a self-confessed memoir junkie. His – You Can Write A Million Dollar Memoir – is on Amazon now.

Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Susie; their two daughters, Lisa Burns Palmer (Aaron) and Jami Burns Barker (Scott); two grandchildren, Sophie Elle Palmer and Henry David Palmer, all of Portland; sister, Darlene Winnett (Bill) of Gilbert, AZ; and brother, James “Bud” Burns (Donna) of Hillsboro, OR; as well as nieces and nephews.

David was a beloved member of his church and communities, both in Bend and Redmond areas. His gentle, kind demeanor and quiet strength, his quick and enjoyable wit will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the honor of knowing him. He was a hero to his wife and daughters.

Celebration of Life service is scheduled for December 9, 2017, at 3pm, at Redmond Christian Church, with fellowship following. Memorial website: forevermissed.com. Private military internment of his ashes will be held next spring at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Contributions to the ALS Association, Central Oregon Chapter, PO Box 1855, Bend, OR 97709; www.alsa-or.org are welcomed.