I was lucky enough to have two amazing big brothers who nurtured, protected me and taught me so much. My most enduring memory of my brother John is that he could make me laugh so hard that my sides hurt and I was helpless to stop. He was so fun and full of mischief and a daredevil who made us all nervous.

I looked up to him so much, and he always came through for me—picking me up from a friend’s house when I was terrified of the Frankenstein movie we had watched and letting me sleep on the floor of his room, taking me trick or treating, making cookies together, drawing a life size version of me for a pin the tail on Nancy game for a birthday party, letting me play with his guinea pig babies; the list goes on. John brought popular music into our home, starting with The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Sonny and Cher and the Beatles. As we grew older, he would bring home new albums from the record store and let me listen to them in his room for hours. I really cherished sharing this with him and can still recall looking at album covers while he made reel to reel tapes.

He was a wonderful best friend to my brother Bob-they had so much fun together and laughed so much. I watched him fall in love with Jane, completely and wholeheartedly, and become a great husband. He and Jane welcomed all of us into their new homes and their lives so graciously; I always felt welcome and a part of their family. His slideshows were a favorite for all of us. He became a wonderful dad, uncle and brother-in-law and helped us immeasurably when we moved into our first house.

His children have grown into remarkable adults with accomplishments that made him so proud. I know that he loved being a grandpa and was loved so very much in return.

His was a life well-lived, but too short for those who loved him. I know he is causing trouble in heaven, free from the pain and suffering of this world and I know he was greeted with open arms and wagging tails!

This is  John Duncan Burns. I'm sorry about John's passing, Jane. 

I was able to see you guys together at his graduation, after the ceremony, but on the grounds of the college. It was in the evening, I think. I was SO impressed with you guys as a happening, college couple. You were very nice to me. 

John's brother, Bob,  sister, Nancy, and his Dad, Uncle Bob, took me sightseeing when I was lucky enough to be treated to a California adventure by our Grandmother, Jane Burns whom they all affectionately referred to as Gaga. 

It sounds like you and John created a lot of love in life, and it was multiplied by your extended  family. What is the point of awareness without love. I wish you peace, and for life to to get a little easier. 

Uncle John was such a positive and kind person. He always made so much time for us kids. A couple years ago I lived at a home for a few months. My parents were out of town and so was Aunt Jane. Uncle John took me to a movie and dinner. There were some "not so PG" hilarious jokes in the movie and I'm like should I laugh? I looked over at Uncle John and he was cracking up so I decided the heck with it I'm going to laugh too. 

I also remember pool parties and beach parties where Aunt Jane and Uncle John would come in the morning and stay for lunch and dinner. We would just hang out all day and have so much fun. 

Uncle John was the best uncle I could have ever ask for. He always had a smile on his face and never complained. He was also the best big brother to my dad. When my dad had his heart surgery Uncle John came to the house with a big bag of dvds to keep him company. The two of them would always just sit there and chuckle at their inside jokes. 

I will miss Uncle John so much, but I know he is at peace and in heaven watching over us. So whenever you take a photo you have to go, "say super sexy". That's an inside joke! 

Jane, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing but rejoice with you that he is at peace. I have so many memories of John when you two met and fell in love (but can’t find any photos). At first it was pretty inconvenient that he was breaking up our girls’ fun…but we quickly loved him anyway. He and his friends (go Purdue) were hilarious! I was honored to be at your side at your wedding to your sweetheart.   Marc and I send our love and prayers to you, Laura, Amanda, DJ and ask God to strengthen you in the days ahead, sustained by your cherished memories.

We still want to get to Utah for a visit….someday. Love you. Rest in peace, John. ❤️