L. David Burningham

L. David "Dave" Burningham passed away peacefully at home, after brilliantly (and stubbornly) battling cancer for 5 years, and after weeks of being in the tender care of those who loved him beyond measure.

Dave was the 5th of 6 kids born to Amos Delmar and Mirtis Twitchell Burningham. He was born and raised in Bountiful, UT. He graduated from Bountiful High and, at the age of 18, was drafted into the Army. He spent 2 years as a tanker in Vietnam, valiantly serving his country and earning 2 purple hearts for his valor. Soon after he returned home, he met Janice Pearson, whom he married a couple years later, on December 17, 1969. They went on to have 5 children together, raising them mostly in Centerville, UT.

During the 8 years after his military service, he went to Weber State University, while he worked as a Banker, then a Stockbroker. After getting his MBA, he set his sights on being an Attorney at Law. In 1975, he moved his growing family to San Diego, CA, where he graduated from the University of San Diego. He practiced a few different types of law but eventually decided to focus on Estate Planning. Creating a very successful partnership, Mitton & Burningham, later Asset Protection Legal Group, where he stayed until retirement.

Dave was an avid learner. His favorite books to read and reread were the Book of Mormon and Webster's Dictionary. He kept to the basics. He also developed a proficient understanding of the gospel and teachings of the LDS church and had a rather impressive vocabulary. He spent years taking flight lessons and came really close to getting his pilot's license in his late 60's. He took up Tae Kwon Do in his 60's and earned his 4th degree black belt under Master Kim, at the age of 67.

Dave thoroughly enjoyed watching a good comedy, both on the screen and in the theatre. He appreciated a good prank, a good joke, and all things involving a good laugh. His laughter was loud, genuine, and contagious. Many who were blessed to share laughter with him, sorely miss the gift this joy brought to their lives.

Dave loved to travel and learn about different cultures around the world, always taking his children along for the chance of a lifetime. Some of his favorite Burningham Adventures took place in Costa Rica, Europe, the UK, Egypt, China, Brazil, Australia, Peru, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. He was proud to say he had visited all 50 United States.

Dave loved his Heavenly Father and held several positions within the LDS church. His favorites were the time spent in the bishopric (in both UT and CA) and teaching Gospel Doctrine for many years. He wasn't the type of person who wore his religion on his sleeve, but he would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He always had a soft spot for the underdog.

Dave accomplished nearly everything he set out to do. Of all the successes Dave had in this lifetime, the one he held dear, which was the most apparent, was that of being an amazing Dad and a Fun "Papa Dave" to those who are now missing him the most.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, two sisters and a brother. Also, by his son, Joshua David Burningham. All of whom we know he is laughing it up with, on the other side of the veil. Along with the many friends and family who passed before him.

He is survived by his other 4 children: Danielle (Aaron) Carlsen, Nathan Burningham, Brittini Burningham, Jade (Holly) Burningham, his 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28th, in the LDS chapel at 436 West 400 South, Centerville, UT 84014. His Viewing will be from 9:30-10:30am. The Funeral will be from 11:00-12:00. The Graveside Service will be at the Bountiful Cemetery at 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, UT 84010. This will take place around 12:30-1:00 and include Military Honors. Dave loved blue, especially denim. So, if you feel so inclined, please feel free to wear some blue as a tribute to this treasure of a human being.