Jesse Burnett

Jesse Burnett

Jesse Holman Burnett, was born August 30, 1977 in Everett, Washington and was taken suddenly from us on May 20, 2011 due to an early childhood heart condition.
Jesse grew up in Arlington, Washington and graduated from Arlington High School in 1995, and then from Western Washington University in 2002 with a BA in Theatre of Arts/Dramatic Writing, with Honors. Jesse was a loving son, brother, uncle, boyfriend, friend and keeper of the stray cats that sought him out, knowing his good nature and kind heart would save them. His passing leaves us all with a vast hole in our lives and our hearts.
He leaves behind his loving mother; Jane (David) Roberts; father, Richard Burnett; sisters, Jenni (Jeff) Hartman, Tessa (Sam) Bondurant, Dawn (Mark) Bostwick; brother, Jason Roberts; nephews, Zachary Hartman, Cole Bostwick, Andrew Roberts, Jacob Bondurant; niece, Sage Hartman; girlfriend, Melanie Winslow; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and uncountable friends. Jesse also leaves behind his three cats, Charles, Blue Eyes, and Orange Cat (aka Irritation), who will miss him dearly but will be well taken care of by Jesse's family.
At the age of 18, Jesse bought a piano and not only taught himself how to play, but taught himself how to play beautifully and passionately. He also later taught himself to play the guitar with the same vigor. He and Melanie enjoyed writing, composing and performing music together, and everyone benefited greatly from the joy of their music. We rejoice in the fact that we will continue to listen to his recordings, keeping his music fresh in our minds and our hearts.
From acting to directing to writing, Jesse did it all. His performances in local plays in Western Washington received rave reviews. We were fortunate to witness his abilities as an actor, director, and later as a playwright, when his work was chosen to be performed at the New Playwrights Theatre in Bellingham, where he wrote, directed and starred in his own play.
Many remember Jesse and Jenni when they owned the Arlington Bookstore. Jesse was the front and center of the store and the backbone. He made it a welcoming place rich in literacy, music and art. Jesse was supportive of the many groups that frequented the store and greeted all customers with a warm welcome.
Jesse's passion for cooking led him to a career in the food industry. To say that Jesse was a talented chef is an understatement. He could prepare food that was so beautiful that you didn't want to eat it, but was so mouthwatering that you just couldn't resist it.
Talented, kind, funny, compassionate, gentle and caring are just a few words that describe Jesse. Watching movies and sports, playing soccer, floating the river, reading, writing, cooking, painting, listening to music and making music were some of his favorite pastimes.
In living, Jesse was a free spirit; in death there are no limits, restrictions, or boundaries, and his spirit must be soaring above us in a place of limitless freedom and peace. Jesse, we love you, we love you, we love you and will miss you always.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N. Macleod Avenue, Arlington, WA, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or an Animal Rescue Organization of your choice.