BILL BURNS (1959-2021)
William (Bill) Robert Burns, 61, died in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31, with his loving wife by his side. Bill’s life was tragically cut short by a rare neurological brain disease diagnosed in 2018.
Bill was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Phoenix in 1978. A year later, he met the love of his life, Mindy. They were happily married for 38 years. Mindy and Bill lived in Mesa, Arizona, until they moved to Tucson in December 2019 to be closer to family.
Bill was passionate about the outdoors and loved camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Trail running in the desert with his wife was Bill’s favorite way to spend the day or evening. When not on the trail, Bill would be planning, preparing and dreaming of his next run.
He loved animals, especially the many dogs he and Mindy raised over the years. Bill volunteered in the ‘80s at Liberty Wildlife, which enhanced his love of the desert and its animals.
A dedicated employee, Bill spent his entire career at one company, most recently known as L3Harris Technologies in Tempe.
Arizona survivors include his best friend and beloved wife, Mindy; his sister-in-law Judy Lefton and his brother-in-law Mike Lefton. Ohio survivors include his father William Burns; brothers Tom Burns and John (Ryan) Burns, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful and loving mother, Rosemary Burns.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Bill’s gentle soul and kind heart will never be forgotten.