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William's obituary

William Edward Burns, 86, passed away at the home he shared with his wife, in Federal Way, Washington. He is survived by his wife, his four children, and his six grandchildren. "Willy," as he was known by most, lived a long and hardworking life, moving across an ocean to provide for his family.

Willy was born in the Visayan Islands, Philippines to a large family. At a young age, he lost both his parents, and worked to educate himself, eventually landing a position as a bookkeeper for the American Legion in Olongapo City. He met his wife, Purificacion, at a blood drive for the Philippine Red Cross. In 1982, months after his fourth child was born, he emigrated to the US, where he worked for two years to establish a home for his family. In 1984, his family settled in the small town of Poplar, CA, eventually moving to Porterville three years later. During this time, he was an accountant for the Porterville Developmental Center for over two decades. After his retirement, he remained in Porterville until he and his wife moved to Federal Way in 2016.

Willy was known for his stories, his jokes, and his infectious laugh. He walked with a limp but that never stopped him when he was younger from running, swimming and showing his capabilities to those who doubted him. As he grew older he walked, until he couldn't, but he never stopped moving, using his motorized scooter to explore his apartment complex.

He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a ninong, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He is already missed.

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William Burns