Gean Burns

Gean Witman Burns

May 22, 1919 ~ April 6, 2014

Gean Witman Burns, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Sunday April 6, 2014 in West Haven, Utah.

He was born May 22, 1919 in Bear River, Utah a son of Joseph W. and Ada Janet Fowler Burns.

He married his sweetheart, Doris Eleanor Ward June 27, 1941 in Ogden, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple September 30, 1959. She preceded him in death April 9, 1994. He later married a long-time friend Lurline J. Rigby, September 13, 1997 in Ogden, Utah. She preceded him in death May 28, 2010.

He was a member of the LDS Church where he served in various callings. He was a faithful home teacher.

He attended the University of Utah, and graduated with a Bachelors degree from Utah State University in May 1941.

He worked as a Soil Scientist for the Bureau of Land Management until Aug 1942 when he enlisted into the US Army Air Corps, he was honorably discharged at the end of WWII November 29, 1945.

He worked for Union Pacific Railroad and Defense Depot Ogden as a chemist. Following a passion for horticulture together Gean and Doris successfully owned and operated Burns Nursery & Greeenhouse in Sunset Utah, where his bedding plants were admired throughout Northern Utah. Dad’s sweet, kind and gentle spirit with a tenacity for life and deep love for family impacted everyone who knew him. He was always more concerned about what he could do for you than what he needed. You could find dad most days with a shovel in hand, he worked hard and enjoyed it every day. Dad enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling, hunting, fishing, and giant campfires. He bought his first motorcycle at 72, and then decided he needed two so the grandkids could ride with him. No matter work or play, Dad did everything with a positive “can do” attitude. He enjoyed hard work, never shying away from a challenge, learning and striving to be better. He had a way of making people, especially grandkids, feel uniquely special and loved. His gentle and kind spirit touched all who knew him.

Dad had a quick wit and was a great tease. Poker games with Grandpa were legendary. Every Christmas the grandkids could count on special handmade gifts from Grandpa, requiring extra thinking and skill to get them open. He was a playful and doting Grandpa who shaped nine children into adults.

Hardships in early life made family essential and created an especially strong bond between Dad and his brother and sister. Family gave Dad his greatest joy and was his most important accomplishment. It was important to have everyone close, including his extended family who love him right back. He did everything with a positive and peaceful attitude.

Surviving are three children, William (Bill) W. Burns, Linda M. Rowley and Becky L. Burns, nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, daughter Bonnie Jean Burns, son-in-law Wayne W. Rowley, brother Derald F. Burns and his beloved sister Irma B. Bingham.

As a family we offer our heart-felt thanks to those who gave love and care to dad from Comfort Keepers, Gentiva Hospice and the staff at Lotus Park Care Center.

A graveside service will be held Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden. Friends may visit at the Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. Roy, on Friday April 11th, from 6-8pm and Saturday from 9:30-10:15 a.m.