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Michael BURNS Obituary
BURNS
Michael G. Age 69 years, passed away on October 18, 2012. Loving father of Lisa Woodyard, Lynley Klingelhafer, and Amy Bird, devoted grandfather of Jacob, Jamey, Gunnar, Nicholas, Amanda, Rachael, Shelby, Olivia, Josh, and Noah, dear brother of Barbara Wetzel and Tim Burns. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Ann, mother, Bernice, father, George, and brother, David. Mike was born in Altoona, PA on September 3, 1943, he moved with his family to Wellsboro, PA, where he graduated from high school with honors and was a three sport star athlete. He was granted a full, four year scholarship to play football at Xavier University in 1961, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1965. Mike taught American History and Government for 37 years in various high schools in Ohio and Northern Kentucky and excelled in his profession. He also coached football and softball throughout those years. 'Coach' Burns helped lead 5 Northern Kentucky teams to state championships, one at Erlanger Lloyd and four at Highlands. Mike was also one of the premier softball players in the city, earning a place in the Greater Cinti. Softball Hall of Fame in 1997. He was also inducted into the Northern KY Coaches Hall of Fame and the Tioga (PA) County Sports Hall of Fame. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Anderson Twp. on Wednesday, October 24, at 10 A.M. Friends may visit at the Church on Wednesday from 9-10 A.M. Donations to the American Parkinson's Association.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael BURNS
March 16, 2013
I think and pray for you everyday, as well as Lisa, Lynley, Amy and Tim. Tears come when I think of you gone from us, but I remember Mom saying not to mourn for those in Paradise...where you are with Mom, Dad, Dave, Gram and Ruthie and all our loved ones. God bless you Mike...Barb
Megan Wetzel
November 15, 2012
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
- Mary Elizabeth Frye
God bless Uncle Mike. I know your spirit will be felt in our everyday lives.
October 27, 2012
To Michael Burns family:Sorry for your loss.May you have hope in these words..that God say's "I-myself shall keep comforting you people.-Isaiah 51:12
Cincinnati,Ohio
olivia snow
October 26, 2012
I miss you papa. Forever my bestest pal.
Love you always n always
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David Davis
October 25, 2012
Mike was a good friend to me as we taught together at Lloyd H.S. Even though I haven't seen him in many years, I will still miss him now.
Lisa Woodyard
October 25, 2012
There is a huge hole in my heart Dad. I wish I would wake up from this nightmare! I love and miss you.
Lisa Woodyard
October 25, 2012
There is a huge hole in my heart Dad. I love and miss you so much!
Kim Best McGillicuddy
October 24, 2012
Mike was and always will be an inspiration! His love for family, friends, students and sports is unparalleled!!
Michael, your spirit will live on through your beautiful family and will stay in the hearts of your friends forever. Red asked me to remind you of the stray cat stroll!
My condolences to all that are missing this great man!
Always,
Kim
October 24, 2012
one of my favorite human beings of all time. was such a joy to be around. remember all of our softball games and the fun we used to have. when you get up there look for my dad hell be waiting for you and you guys can talk about the old times. loved you like a brother mike you meant the world to me and my family. jamie cliff
Stephen Lickert
October 24, 2012
Coach Burns touched the lives of many through his ability to relate with kids and help them reach the potential he saw in them. Many times he saw more in kids than they did in themselves. Rest in peace Coach Burns, you will be missed dearly!
Linda Lentz
October 23, 2012
Mike,
You were a kind and caring person who loved his children and grandchildren with all of his heart and soul! You were and are a true Blessing to all of your family friends. I loved your hearty laugh, your love of Movies, the ultimate Movie Buff!!! and a true gentleman. Thanks you for your friendship and kindness. A Great Person, Teacher, Father, Grandfather and Friend, See you sometime in the big football or softball field in the sky!!!! A true friend and nice person!!!! R.I.P. Linda Lentz 7 Family
Coach and me on my wedding day :)
Jade Stanford
October 23, 2012
Coach Burns was very dear to me. He was always there for me through the tough times as well as those we celebrated. He taught me to make the best out of life's curve balls. He was a positive role model I looked up to during my high school years and even after. He will always have a special place in my heart, and I will remember the lasting impact he left on my life. He will be missed by many.
Ron Weller
October 23, 2012
It is a sad day. Lost a long-time friend, from our Woodland Park swimming pool days, to all night sleep overs, to Babe Ruth Baseball, double dating, comparing notes. I will always remember our friendship. Rest in Peace, Mike. My condolences to the family.
Ronnie
Michael Howard
October 23, 2012
In your simple act of daily living, you continually made a positive impact on others! We have learned from your love and passion of life! Thank you for sharing!!
Pat Ryan
October 23, 2012
My condolences to Coach Burns family and friends. He was a great educator who possessed genuine concern for his students and their well being. He planted seeds of knowledge in all of his students that will continue to grow in the future. Rest in Peace Coach!
Tom Lynch
October 23, 2012
I was between teaching jobs in the early 80s, so I substitute taught at several schools, including Erlanger Lloyd. Although it's been many years since I saw Mr. Burns, I do remember him as an amiable and helpful gentleman. I once asked him how the Juggernaut football players felt about his being a coach at Covington Catholic (a school that Lloyd then played) and he said that he had never discerned any ill feelings. I'm sure that this was due to the fact that Mr. Burns was such a popular and likeable man.
Tracy Ruzanka-Johnson
October 22, 2012
"A teacher affects eternity: He can never tell where his influence stops." -Henry Adams. This is so true of you, Mr. Burns. Generations of students at Lloyd were profoundly impacted because you cared enough to demand more of us and think more of us than we tended to of ourselves. It started with respect, which was given to you deservedly and we then fought to earn yours by grades, by behavior, by thinking and developing into what you believed we could be. Your influence began for me in 1986, but it has not stopped. You were a phenomenal teacher and an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family now as they grieve your loss.
Amanda Woodyard
October 22, 2012
Grandpa you are the best I'm gonna miss you a lot but I know your in a better place. By now you probably have a football team up there in heaven. I love you so much. I really look up to you. I remember when you would always give some advise about sports and I would take it and try to be the best I could be. I love you and I'll see you in paradise one day.
Dolly Lickert
October 22, 2012
Coach Burns was a great man and an inspiration to the young men he coached. He will be greatly missed!
Red Ronnie Jones
October 22, 2012
Mike, we've had many, many years of games and chats together, you were a true gentleman, on and off the field, ive feel blessed in knowing you for so many yrs.
Tim Zeis
October 22, 2012
Coach you will be sorely missed but always remembered. You left an impression on many of us that had the pleasure of playing for you. You were a great coach, mentor, and friend.
Mike Hellmann
October 21, 2012
For those of us that were lucky enough to have our lives shaped by you in the classroom and on the football field...WE THANK YOU. "Coach Burns" was one of the most well rounded, formidable, and respected men I will ever know. One of the best...! God bless you and your family.
Kimberly Dressler
October 21, 2012
Mr. Burns was one of the most amazing teachers that I ever had. He helped mentor and guide so many students- we were lucky to have him. He will truly be missed.
Judy Jones
October 21, 2012
Thanks for the memories Mike. You were my best friend's brother and a very special person. Rest in Peace.
Tim Burns
October 21, 2012
Losing you, Mike, leaves an empty space that cannot be filled. Only the many fine and good memories of our life together and the knowledge that your difficult struggle is over, provide any solace. Till we play on the field again Your brother, Tim
Renee Stamper
October 21, 2012
Heaven is gaining a wonderful man. He was one of a kind. RIP Mr. Burns. May your family have peace.
Tim Kerns
October 21, 2012
Thanks for the memories Mike. Those were truly the days, you were a great teammate, classmate, and friend, and for the last time...thanks for giving me the ball on all those B6 Caves:)RIP
My condolences to your family.
Tim
October 21, 2012
Coach Burns taught me in high school at Lloyd. I liked him in high school but when my oldest son went to Highlands and I saw how much my son loved him and how much he truely cared about the kids he taught and coached, I realized what a great man he really was. My heart goes out to you all and I hope you can find peace in knowing he is resting peacefully now. Thanks Coach Burns for all you did for my son. Janet Hermes
Oliver Bryant
October 21, 2012
I was a friend and colleague of Coach Burns for many years. He approached his profession and friends with good humor.
It was an honor and pleasure.
Dan Sheffield
October 21, 2012
Mr. Burns was one of my favorite teachers at Highlands. He inspired a love of history and a sense of civic responsibility in generations of students, and despite his formidable presence in the classroom, he was a warm and caring individual who was devoted to his classes. He'll truly be missed by the generations of students whose lives he helped to shape.
October 21, 2012
So many memories from our childhood...being your little sister you taught me to hit a ball, throw a football, and make 10 baskets in a row. You taught me that I could do anything, if I tried my best. You were an example to our family, and
taught us to work hard, respect the gifts we were given and live with respect and dignity. You were Tim's hero, my protector, and Dave's best friend. Thanks Big Brother for all the love. Rest in Peace and know that the love will never end. God bless and keep you. Love, Your Sis Barb
Albert Root III
October 20, 2012
Checking our Yearbook short time ago, saw Mike, this is kind of a shock. Sorry we lost contact after 1960. He was a exceptional person and great athlete. Condolence to the family. RIP Mike. Was some good years.
rachael n shelby brown
October 20, 2012
We love u so much grandpa, always in our hearts! We miss you
Dawn Bravard
October 20, 2012
God Bless this family. He was one of the best coaches ever at Lloyd Memorial High School
Teri Foltz
October 20, 2012
it was a pleasure to have been his colleague at Highlands. He was a wonderful teacher who influenced many lives. He was a good friend to all.
October 20, 2012
Life's cruelest jest is the giving of a special being...and then the taking away. The turning of that shining star over to death. And we grieve.
Still, if we listen deeply, there is the solace and comforts of thanksgiving and memory and gratitude..that such a one came our way. Forever my brother.
Tim
Amy Bird
October 20, 2012
I was very fortunate to have him as my father, not only the best dad u could have, he was a phenomenal grandpa,friend teacher and coach. Dad your truly the best man i have known and will ever know, i will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.
Tom Taylor
October 20, 2012
Requiescat in pace, Mike. I knew you for about 45 years as a fellow softball player, great friend, fellow softball HOF committe member. I will remember your covering the outfield with the grace and speed of a gazelle next to me. You were a model of a fighting spirit against an unbeatable foe in your last years.
Stu (Donald) Wilson
October 20, 2012
I was a class mate of Mike's in Wellsboro, Pa. Mike was a truly nice guy, good student, and great athlete. Although I had lost track of Mike over the years, he was never forgotten. My condolences to Mike's family. I'm sure he was truly a blessing to you all.
Sharon DeBruyn Bailey
October 20, 2012
I learned a lot from you and you made learning history fun. You were creative with the mock elections so we would come to understand the government better. You were inspirational to many! RIP Mr. Burns
olivia snow
October 20, 2012
I love you grandpa, always my bestest pal!!
Amy Bird
October 20, 2012
I can't express how lucky i was to call him my father, he was a great man educator and coach. His life lessons will be with my children and me always. Dad your the greatest man I know and will ever know, I love you and will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.
Jamey Stull
October 20, 2012
Miss you Gpa, You have taught me a lot in the years. Football, school, family, You was truely the best grandpa anyone could wish for. I will see you and Uncle David in the future get the football plans ready cause we are going to have a blast. I love you and think about you all the time.
October 20, 2012
"When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun."
...Shakespeare
Big Brother...I will always remember you with love and pride, and cherish those memories until we meet again.....
Me And Gpa Burns at the old Florence apt pool
Jamey Stull
October 20, 2012
Me Gpa Burns and Jake, Elder vs Highlands at PBS
Jamey Stull
October 20, 2012
Kevin Sapp
October 20, 2012
He was a hero to a lot of us when we were growing up and we all hoped to be like him when we grew up.
Gary Ruschman
October 20, 2012
Mr. Burns encouraged my creativity and attention to detail (and even let me attend choir during his class period when my editing work on the yearbook was caught up!) Sympathy to the family and his former students for the loss.
Jean Gettys
October 20, 2012
You made history fun, you will be missed.
Jeff Horstman
October 20, 2012
An incredible teacher and mentor and always referred to reverently as "Mr. Burns" or "Coach Burns" because of the respect we had for him. Rarely does one person so greatly touch so many others' lives in such positive ways. Anyone who was lucky enough to have any interaction with him should be grateful for that honor. He will be missed from near and far. RIP, Mr. Burns. And thank you for everything.
Patricia Blair
October 20, 2012
His impact has been pervasive through my entire life. Everyone needs a teacher who made you believe you were meant for something bigger than you could ever imagine.
Anne Bellon
October 20, 2012
The first day I walked into Mr. Burns classroom, I was terrified. The last day, I was inspired and full of knowledge. I loved him and everything he taught me.
Lisa Woodyard
October 20, 2012
I was lucky enough to have the best Daddy in the world! Thank you Dad for all of you love, guidance, all the history lessons and the love of football. I love and miss you more than words can express. RIP Daddy.
October 20, 2012
Mr. Burns was an outstanding teacher and he will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.....
Kelly Code Bain
Brenda Hamilton
October 20, 2012
Thank you so much, I feel lucky to have been able to know you and tell you how we feel about you. Rest in peace Coach, your legacy wil live on!
Love,
The Hamilton Family
John Dunhoft
October 20, 2012
It is always hard to say good bye to a friend until next time we meet May God Bless. A great coach, player and father and will be deeply missed. JD
October 20, 2012
A friend who taught me alot through the years. A great coach, teacher and father RIP my friend. JD
Kathleen Ott Hiser
October 20, 2012
What a great man!
Derek Whalen
October 19, 2012
To the man who inspired my interest in world affairs and history. Your teachings and wisdom shall be passed to the generation behind me -- making your wise words liken to a torch that burns always. Peace to you, Burns!
Mindy Sawyer
October 19, 2012
Coach Burns was a mentor for me and many others!! He will be missed but always remembered with all of the great memories!!
Awesome Educator!
Ron Brooks
October 19, 2012
A Good Teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. Thank You Mike Burns....
Patti Kreimer
October 19, 2012
RIP COACH
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