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Thomas Burns Obituary
Tom joined St. Peter on May 3, 2011 for a 9:00 p.m. tee time. He passed away in a crowded room surrounded by his entire extended family. He is survived by his beautiful bride of 50 years Mary, his children, Shaun, Lisa, Michael, his sister Pattie his brother Larry and 6 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday May 15 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1800 East Libra in Tempe. Immediately following the service we will celebrate Tom's life with a party at Hackett House 95 West 4th St. in Tempe. Donations in Tom's memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Truly Angels on Earth.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burns
John James
May 2, 2022
Tom, WHAT A GREAT FRIEND!! Tom will always be close to my heart!! We shared MANY joys from family, golf, careers and faith!! Carry his warm smile everywhere!! John
Olin (Opie) Davis
May 4, 2019
Still think of Tom and miss him. Miss you too Mary and the times we visited. Tom trained me on my first trip as a DPS with Continental and was my sales manager in Chicago. Plus playing golf with him. Lots of great memories.
May 18, 2011
As part of the 1983 America West family, it was a privilege to have known Tom. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. I will never forget his words of wisdom to new hire classes. On behalf of my husband, Jack & daughter Kim Frost-Hamilton, we are deeply saddened about the Burns' family loss. Our prayers are with you. Marilyn Frost, AWA 1983-current
Jeannette Lakes
May 18, 2011
Hello Mary, I write with great sadness on hearing the death of your beloved Tom - my sympathy to you and your family - he was a great man - and you know behind every great man is a great woman - thats you - keep strong - and may he rest in peace amen - Jeannette Lakes, Carlow Town Council
Jeannette Lakes
May 18, 2011
hello Mary I
Olin (opie) Davis
May 16, 2011
Mary, Wish you and Tom could have made the trip to Coeur d' Alene but I know he is on a better trip. Please feel to come visit us any time. I too will miss Tom very much and enjoy his presence in my memory book.
May 15, 2011
To the family of Tom...he was a wonderful boss....I have thought of him often through the years..he always made us laugh!
Dayna Carnival Sales (A) Team 1985
Sammi Naughton and the kids
May 15, 2011
Dear Mary, Lisa, Shaun, Michael & all of Tom's beloved family...
I look forward to celebrating Tom's life tomorrow at the service. Through all the years I've known him -- he exuded such strength, integrity and peace in his hugs.
How lucky you were to have him as a precious example & foundation of love for your entire family.
Though missed by all blessed with his presence, his spiritual energy lives on...
Tom was sincerely loved by so many. xo
May 14, 2011
Mary, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I had the privilege of working with Tom for many years at Continental; he was one of the finest men I have ever met. Tom will be missed by many and all of our memories will be good ones. Barrie Duggan
Gene Chanez
May 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.
It was my great privilege to know Tom, I will miss my friend....
Mark & Ranae Salem
May 13, 2011
Mary and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Tom was one of a kind, and will be missed by all who knew him.
May 13, 2011
Tom Burns was a true gentleman and a happy Vice President of AWA at the time I worked there. Russ remembers some great times with Tom and we both send prayers up for you and the family. Mary, you are a special lady.
Russ and Judi Bleil
Geoffrey Miller
May 13, 2011
I am thinking of all of you. I remember golfing with Shaun and Tom numerous times. I remember losing all the golf balls with him. I always considered you all like extended family.
Tom Brussow
May 13, 2011
Please accept my condolences. Tom had a huge impact on the course of my career and life as he did many others. He gave me an opportunity that I have always been thankful for. He was someone that I looked up to as he always had that special air of confidence. He will be missed.
May 13, 2011
Tommy was a friend for more years that I can remember. His passing will leave an empty space in all our lives. My sympathy to all of Tommy's friends and famiiy.
Marvin "Sparky" Sparks
Denes Carroll
May 13, 2011
My deapest condolences to Mary and the entire family. Tom was a great guy and a good pal and I will remember him always.
Denes Carroll
John Kness
May 13, 2011
I am sorry I cannot make it to Hackett House to celebrate all the good times we had with Tom. He never got down about anything and kept us going in rough times.
My condolences to the whole family. He was a good man.
Monica Smith
May 12, 2011
My condolences to all of you. Tom was a great person to work for and with. He always had a kind word and a happy outlook. I can imagine him in heaven with Harry Caray, watching a baseball game, and laughing waiting for his next round of golf. What a great guy!
Kevin & Jessica Rondeau
May 11, 2011
We are so very sorry for your loss. Every time we came in contact with Tom his jubilant personality was infectious and his love and devotion for his family should be an example for all to follow. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Raymond Anderson
May 11, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Mary Shaun Lisa and Michael. May your faith carry you through, may your stories and memories bring comfort. I wont be able to make services in Arizona I have requested a Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral here in Vancouver. Please love each other, lean on each other, and just plain be there for one another.
Lori Jean Ditmer
May 9, 2011
Tom was one of the sweetest men I ever knew. He would come and take me to lunch a few times a year and I really enjoyed our lunches. I will miss him terribly and I am heart broken over his passing. I know heaven will take him in with open arms. I am very sorry and am thinking about his family. He talked about them and I felt like I knew them. I will miss you Tom. Lori Jean Ditmer, El Mirage AZ
May 9, 2011
Pattie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss
Annie
May 9, 2011
My wife and I have had the priviledge of living next door to Tom, and his fantastic wife Mary, for over 21 years. I've never had a better neighbor, nor have I known a better man. We will cherish always, our wonderful memories.
Byron & Claudia Fisher Tempe, AZ
Neal Meehan
May 9, 2011
I an so saddened to read of Tom's passing. My heart and prayers go out to Mary and his family.
May 8, 2011
My prayers go out to your family.. You dont know me but I was named after a Thomas Patrick Burns.( My dad worked with him)my Dad is William Tharp. They worked together at a resurant.. If you are the family of the man I called Uncle Tommy. Uncle Tommy's Wife's name was Mary. I was wondering if this Thomas P. Burns is the son of The man I was named after. Thank you for your time.. My prayers are with you at this time..
Thomas Patrick Tharp (Phx. AZ)
Mark & Chris Busch
May 8, 2011
Tom was one of the first individuals I met when moving into the neighborhood - when I stopped to see the storage he built in the garage - which I duplicated in mine. We will miss him and are here for you if you need anything, anytime.
Ron & Adele Miller
May 8, 2011
We are so sorry you're gone from all who loved you. You will be sorely missed.
All our lives were a bit happier for having known you.
Dennis Kavanagh
May 8, 2011
Our dear friend, you will be missed.
John James
May 8, 2011
Thomas always had a smile for you. He lit up any room he entered. He shared with all. His strength in his struggle was an example for all of us. His dedicated love for his wife and family rose above the planet. He now can swing at the best golf course there is. I will really miss Thomas.
May 8, 2011
Have fun golfing on heaven's greens! You will truely be missed by all those who touched your life. - Kate Cockerill
Chris Morene
May 7, 2011
I have fond memories of your dad. He was well respected and a great man to be around. I know that he is enjoying eternal happiness in Heaven.
Micki Schroeder
May 7, 2011
My heart aches out of sefishness, for I know you are free. It was just too soon. As you would would say, my only regret... was that I could not share YOU with more people. Peace to your family and ours as your hugs, advice and example were never taken for granted.
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