William Brooks Burnett

Burnett, William Brooks SANTA FE, N.M. William Brooks Burnett, 59, died unexpectedly in Santa Fe, N.M., on May 8, 2008. He was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, N.Y. He earned a B.A. from SUNY Buffalo, an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and an M.A./A.B.D. from Cornell University. He and Caroline B. Burnett were married in 1986 in Voorheesville, N.Y. at his family's home. Bill was an expert in the economics of industrial organization, antitrust and regulation, on which he consulted, lectured and published extensively. Early in his career, he served as an economist at the Federal Trade Commission, then as vice president at Glassman-Oliver Consulting in Washington, D.C. In 1988, he joined Charles River Associates, where he headed the mergers practice and served as director of their Washington office for several years. Bill also served on the company's board of directors from 1994 until 2000, and continued as a senior consultant to CRA after retirement. During his years at CRA, and particularly in his role as one of the founding members of the Washington office, he brought a rigorous work ethic and a keen focus on clients' needs to the company he helped to build. He earned great respect from the colleagues he befriended and from younger staff, to whom he gave mentorship, support and sound counsel. Back in those days in D.C., he and his loving wife Caroline would host the CRA office holiday party at their home, and he would laugh along with colleagues especially the newer, younger employees who could not believe their eyes at the pictures of himself in his young, hippie days. Bill gave his tireless support and encouragement to Caroline in finishing her dissertation, her nursing and teaching careers, and her commitment to nonprofit work. They retired to Santa Fe, NM in June of 2001 to pursue lifelong dreams of enjoying the more open and relaxed lifestyle that the South West has to offer. During this time, Bill completed several outdoor adventure programs with Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School. NOLS became a true love. He served on the advisory council, championing increased diversity of students and expanded scholarship opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to experience the wonder of the outdoors and its offerings. Bill was recently asked to join the NOLS Board of Directors. His commitment to outdoor education was also deeply personal; he shared his passion with his grand nephew Caegen, whom he sent on two NOLS expeditions. As a result, Caegen will now attend the Environmental Science and Forestry program at Syracuse University, N.Y. Bill's adventurous spirit extended to excitement about travel across the world with Caroline. Most notably, Bill, Caroline and his dear friend John Kwoka ventured to Burkina Faso to visit John's daughter Margaret, who was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. His love for Margaret and support for her in all her endeavors is another example of his true commitment to family and friends. Bill also had a passionate love and appreciation of art and photography. He recently took up oil painting. Consistent with his determined spirit, he spent hours researching and reading about the many artists who painted in the abstract expressionist style, taught himself the use of color and produced many wonderful pieces that all members of his family and friends will cherish as part of his legacy. Bill and Caroline shared a love for all that Santa Fe has to offer and were committed to a variety of philanthropic activities that particularly focused on the youth of the community. Bill served as a member of the Girls Inc. Board of Consultants and volunteered tirelessly at their annual arts and crafts show. Bill was happiest when he was outdoors, rising to the challenges that hiking and camping in the mountains offered. He and Caroline spent many wonderful hours hiking in those mountains and taking in the wonder of our environment. He is preceded in death by his father, William Francis Burnett, and his brother, Stephen Barron Burnett. He is survived by his wife, Caroline B. Burnett; mother, Elaine C. Burnett; sister, Mary Beth Regan; brother-in-law, William F. Regan; sister-in-law, Francine W. Burnett; niece, Megan Deshaies; nephew, S. Brooks Burnett; grandnephew, Caegen; grandniece, Rowan; dear friend, John Kwoka; niece, Margaret Kwoka; and dog, Moira. Bill will be missed beyond measure by all his family and friends. Donations in the name of Bill Burnett may be made to National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), 284 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520, or to Women's Health Services, 901 West Alameda, Suite 25, Santa Fe, NM 87501.