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LORNA LEE BURNSIDE

About

Apple Valley High School

LORNA BURNSIDE Obituary

April 14, 1954 to June 20, 2011 Lorna Lee Burnside was born on April 14, 1954 in Covina, Ca. The daughter of Oak and Allene Pendleton (both deceased) Lorna moved with her family to the High Desert in 1967. Lorna was a 1972 graduate of Apple Valley High School. She was the loving mother to her one child, Richard Young of Phelan, Ca. Lorna met the love of her life, Jon Burnside in 1976 and they later married in 1979. Lorna was a woman with a srong heart and soul who loved panning for gold and enjoyed the rugged beauty of the desert. Lorna lost her brave battle with cancer on June 20th, 2011. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jon; her son, Richard and her two sisters, Laura Boyd of Apple Valley, Ca & Leora Pendleton of Fallen, NV. Lorna will be greatly missed by her family and friends. There will be no formal service for Lorna, just watch a sunset and say a prayer in her memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Jun. 24 to Jul. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for LORNA BURNSIDE

Sponsored by Jon.

37 Entries

Greg Patrick Quimby

June 18, 2024

13 years have passed and your still in my memories Lorna.

lost & alone

April 13, 2013

Butch Igloe

December 5, 2012

Jon I am so sorry for u and Laura i know what you are going threw sorry to say it never gos away but it dos get easeier dont know if you know if u know i now live in utah with arlene once again sorry jon and laura miss all you guys love you Butch

Joey iglow

December 4, 2012

HI JOHN, I am deeply saddened today i heard of lorna moving on. I am truly sorry our family has not stayed in touch and we were not there for you in you time of need as i remember you and lorna was always there for us. I know my mom and lorna are up in heaven know looking down upon us and remembering all the good times and rough times our familys have had togather over 30+ years. I dont know if you will ever read this but the Igloe family will miss Lorna Lee Burnside. Love you john if you need anything call me joe 951-834-3558.

air show A.V. 2010

August 5, 2012

November 3, 2011

Lornas Stone placed 11/3/2011 at Duisenburg

November 3, 2011

August 11, 2011

Leora, Laura and Lorna

laura boyd

July 30, 2011

Lorna with her niece and nephew Allene & Franklin

laura boyd

July 30, 2011

Lorna

laura boyd

July 30, 2011

Lorna

laura boyd

July 30, 2011

lorna and jon 2004

laura boyd

July 30, 2011

July 23, 2011

Jon & Lorna

July 23, 2011

Laura Boyd

July 20, 2011

I would like to thank my sisters Prospecting Friends for keeping this guest book online for another year. Good luck to you all in your adventures, Lorna had a great time with you guys.

Laura Boyd

July 13, 2011

My big sister was a strong beautiful woman full of life and adventure. The last time we met up by the river my kids and I were trying to keep up with her with us in my minivan, we had a great time looking for drift wood to make into walking sticks and little pieces of pottery that she thought were artifacts. Being her little sister she was protective and I think if she ever found out about my ex's foolishness do believe she would have found a deep dark hole to stick him in, anyway I would have trusted her with my life.
Our parents and grandparents were big rock collectors and I have piles of rocks from them that I made into a rock garden. When she saw what I had done I thought she was going to have my head because she thought I had
cemented them together. But thankfully I had only stacked them up and then she thought it was a neat idea.
The one thing I regret is not taking the trip we talked about, that would be going to Nevada and looking for Black Opal. If I ever get up there I know she will be with me every step of the way.
The love Lorna and Jon shared was just amazing. I am so grateful to you Jon for loving her and taking care of her like you have and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I just sit here remembering and there is so much more to say. I am sure whoever reads this will know what I mean when I say that you can't put all of Lorna into words. She will be with me always...at every sunset.

family and friends of Lorna and Jon

Laura Boyd

July 11, 2011

Richard & Toni Barry

July 8, 2011

This is very sad news for us to hear. We’ve known Lorna and Jon for more than 20 years. This is very hard to accept but it must be done. I have a strong feeling that we’ll all be there shortly and, without question, it will be a better place. I hope Jon can accept this without too much grief. It is always more difficult on those left behind... Our hearts go out to Jon and his family.

Hauser/Passanante Family

July 6, 2011

Our hearts go out to you Jon, she had a brave soul and fought long and hard. Our deepest sympathies.

Jo Burnside

July 5, 2011

Lorna,...Yesterday, as I was trying to think of what to write, I looked around your home and found the words.....I saw all the "ammenities" you and Jon provided for the wildlife in your yard and was reminded of your kindness for all of the critters.....I saw your hat with the little goldminers shovel on the front , and was reminded of how much you liked goldmining and the whole outdoors....I saw Grizzley, your beloved dog, and was reminded of how kind your heart was. ...I saw the sunset and was reminded of how much you loved the beauty of nature and how much you enjoyed it. .....I saw all the rocks that you collected and was reminded of our trip to Arizona. You were looking for interesting rocks and found an arrowhead.I think I was more excited than you!.... And I saw the look on Jon,s face and was reminded of how much he loved you, as you loved him....I will never forget the smiles you brought to all who knew you, nor the kindness you showed to all animals, nor the wonder you had for the beauty of nature....Lorna, I loved you and will never forget you. Jo

Rick Carpenter

July 1, 2011

Thought of Lorna - by Rix (“R” with a circle around it here)

Because of the fact that Lorna was and Jon is such a large part of my life I have seen a great deal of Lorna’s life pass before me since she passed. I didn’t know that we could post on here for a few days and it allowed my thoughts come together in a way that I hope she would appreciate.

I first became aware of Lorna in the latest of the sixties at the Val Shirra arena at Lime Street Park. She was a member of the Hesperia Wranglers an equitation club. She was a fierce competitor at barrel racing, poll bending etc. This means that she was essentially a horse trainer and an athlete. The reason I remember this is that one of her competitors was my oldest sister. Some of the other competition was her two sisters. Sibling rivalry anyone?

With a father named “Oak” is their any doubt that this family was not made up of “girly men”, girly women or girly girls for that matter. Beside a fierce competitor Lorna was also a winner.

Forward in time. I returned from the Army and low and behold the young man who would later become my best friend (who I met through my other sister prior to service) was in a relationship with Lorna.

This is when I formally met her as an adult (at least she was). First impression (I don’t want to cop to this). Let me just say that she was very much like the desert she loved. As anyone knows, when you go into the desert you must be prepared. You might get stuck in a sandy wash and have to walk miles in the heat. Well I shortly found out that if you stumbled into her unprepared you were potentially in a similar world of hurt!

You see, she didn’t suffer fools (and idiots) gladly. Let me just say that she had the ability, with a single scornful look, to scorch you like the desert sun, chill you like the desert night, or prick you to the bone like the most vicious cactus you ever ran across. Yet she also had this simple smile (not unlike the one on the Mona Lisa) that you could grow to see more clearly as time went by. This went along with her wicked and playful sense of humor. This smile was not unlike that of a calm winter desert covered with snow. Her big smile was like the refreshing renewal of the desert’s spring flowers in bloom.

Now here is the rub! She also had on the front of her head most of the time what can only be described as a “poker face”. You could be talking to Jon and she would appear to be doing something completely different and not saying a word for what seemed like (and was at times) hours and out of the blue all of a sudden you would hear a comment from her and turn to see the poker face. Now you had to figure out if this was the scorched desert or if she was just razzing you.

She hourly enjoyed this because it made you reconsider what just came out of your mouth and refocused the conversation and she hadn’t said but a couple words at most. Ok buddy, now your in the hot seat, she’s got you on the run. “Well Jon I’d better be going now, see ya later”, or maybe, you did in fact refocus and start thinking again and slow the conversation down some. This was her way of participating and allowing everyone to focus and learn from one another. (Edward M. Kennedy said in his book “True Compass” that his dad once told him after he was expelled from collage for cheating that he could choose to be a serious person or he could choose to be a non serious person but due to having eight children that if he chose to be a non serious person that his dad would not have much time for him. Ouch!)

Needless to say she grew on you. Here are a few Lorna specials that come to mind. She had a sun bleached stack of vertebra on her four-by antenna instead of a Jack in the Box ball, or Union Seventy Six ball.

She had a shooting range fifteen-twenty feet out from the outhouse door with a string attached so you didn’t have to go reset the targets in case you ended up with a little more time for target practice than you had anticipated when you went in. (I once saw an article about an electric heated toilet seat that I wanted to get them for Christmas and couldn’t find it again, pre computers, to give them. They came up with a method that worked anyhow.)

Her CB handle was “Low Heat”. Never knew what that meant, never asked. I think within the last few days I actually know now. When you put something on low heat it simmers, blends flavors etc. Look out though; when something is sitting on low heat it could accidently boil in a short matter of time. (Earlier I think I thought that it meant that she wasn’t pumping much wattage with her rig but I think she actually had a little oomph.)

Than there is the time she sunk Jons Scout in the creek. It was-a-flowin (spring time I think). “Oh my God he’s gonna kill me Rick, can you help me get it out?” It was a little soggy and I think Jon had to change fluids and dry the interior some but it was ok. It literally was disappearing as the water hit the tires and turned to wash the sand from under them lowering it at a visible pace and she was freekin. (Hey, like they never came out in the middle of nowhere to save my butt more times than I can count.)

Now, would he “kill her”, no. Would he be bummed out major league, yes! Angry, probably. The reality of it though is that he would have had the upper hand and carried a virtual “get out of jail free card” in case he ever did something inappropriate to one of her vehicles, and he would have relished in reminding her that he held that card!

Speaking of vehicles, one of the things Lorna did love was “riding”. Riding her horses when she was young, riding on the back of her mans hog (or even riding it her self on occasion), riding her Mercury (this she did at a little more than low heat, more like hid-mid range with an occasional boil thrown in to make sure people were paying attention, or just because she felt like it dagonit it’s a free country!) driving four by fours, Jeep, Bronco and afore mentioned Scout.

The Stones concert at the LA Forum. We parked the Merc at some middle aged black woman’s house in the neighborhood around the venue (the locals make some extra money this way), I’m pretty sure that when this other strong woman assured her that the car would not be touched as she glanced at the young men-children milling about the sidewalk that Lorna instinctively knew that this was as close to Gospel as it gets in the hood! The car was fine.

Packing a lunch, grab permit to cut dead trees and going into the mountains in the old trucks (fifties models) and cutting and collecting fire wood. The ride back on a six degree or better grade with a heavy load (or overload) and fifties era breaks can be an adventure in itself. Jon singing merrily “I’m a lumberjack and I’m ok” Monty Python sketch about gay lumberjacks if I remember correctly. Funny, funny stuff. Pushing the brake peddle as hard as one can with butt up off the seat wail looking for the spot in the side of the mountain to scrub some more speed off if necessary, not so fun. Sitting at a turnout for half hour to cool breaks before starting again and knowing that you may be doing the same thing in a few miles, I think we all started getting religion!

They say that fire wood warms you three times. Once when you cut it, once when you stack it and once when you burn it. These adventures warm my heart every time I think of them.

Then there is shooting. Plinking in the open desert, skeet shooting up on the power line road or shooting at the range (organized events or not), Grilling afterwards and just kicking back talking and getting to know people better.

Good times all!

I have long ago entered into the realm of committing a major Lorna faux pas and continued right on because she wasn’t here to stop me (I think I just felt a chill and I’m afraid to look, but I’m refocused) . I don’t know this to be fact, but I do believe that the reason Lorna didn’t want a service is because she would not want to be the center of attention, would not want people going on about her in a long winded way (Ouch! There it is again.) , but most of all, someone eulogizing her that didn’t really know her. If it is one thing that Lorna was, it was genuine.

With some prodding from Lorna (as well as others) along the way my mind has become much more focused and I have found a way around this offense (Lorna would be proud, but shocked to see my poker face looking at her). I don’t intend to give her one bit of credit for the things I just said here and instead will give all praise to the creator of the beautiful western desert sunset instead for giving to Lorna Burnside the gift of “free will”. She was more than trustworthy to have such a gift and that gift was shared with people like me who when mingling with others learned how to treat others with the respect due them. Consummate Lorna (John Wayne in the famous interview with Barbara Walters years ago. Paraphrasing here, ‘I treat a man with the respect due him and DEMAND that I be treated the same way In return.’).
The obituary mentions what a strong heart Lorna had. That about sums it up, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that what I grew to appreciate was her strong character. She didn’t need to say much, she walked the walk and would trip you up if you didn’t just to watch you fall and get up and try it again, not necessarily to achieve her level but it definitely made you bring your game up to your new level! She did eventually learn to suffer fools but only proportionate to the fools ability to stop being one. Thank you eternally Lorna!

I will not however pass on the opportunity for one last little good humored dig at her (she would have done no less for/to me, I’m sure). Here is a song for her from a fellow westerner (Texas). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o3m1FwhusY

Two heartfelt songs: Lorna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VDNMtn0t2A

Jon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vup_Idskkp4 (Jon, you aren’t quite the same kind of cowboy so you get this version.)

Both of yous http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s43FpUG9uxQ

Franklin Adams

July 1, 2011

Hard hats n Metal boots

My aunt Lorna passed away today, June 20th of 2011, She fought a very long and a very hard battle vs cancer and very bad illnesses, She was the strongest person and softest person I have ever met in my life, One of the hardest and scariest person you would run by if you messed with her and her family. I would predict 90% of the worlds population would have -puled the plug- years ago, But pulling the plug was no option for the woman with steel boots and a harden hat, But when June 20th came by, God took her by the hand and brought her up with him. It was time for her to put up the hard hat and untie the steel boots, It was her day to rest, She will never be forgotten by me and my family, but the majority of the people that might read this will forget with in the past few days, and this will just become history, I am sure some of the people wont even get to read this far to hear the message of, Never give up and be strong, When God says it is time to put away the hard hat and the steel boots that's when you get the break your soul has been waiting for its whole life. And a saying from my mother, " Like time mellows people, As well as wine does if the grapes are good." Thank you for reading this message and Aunt Lorna We love you with all our hearts, And we know that you know that where ever you are today we love you and we thank you for fighting your long battle and being such a great person, I will protect Laura Boyd ( my mom ) With my life and soul for you, and i will watch over Allene Adams and Samuel Adams with my wisdom and strength. Thank you again Love: Franklin Adams and the rest of the family.

Mark Blair

June 30, 2011

Hi Jon, I want you to know all the memories of I have of my early years working with you were filled with so many conversations about life and just stupid funny stuff, it seemed that everything we talked about or did Mama Lorna had something funny to say or call us. I.e. Compost Bear or Contrary Bear the last one is you haha! Nothing will ever replace those Peanut butter sandwiches! You know she had fun making them knowing we didn't have anything to wash them down. There are no words to express any feeling for this, other than I know she is peacefully resting! Love you brother !

Ken Rucker

June 28, 2011

Lorna added sunshine to a bright desert. Lorna had a wonderful sense of humor and a great smile. You will be missed and remembered.

Janie Palubin

June 27, 2011

To Jon and the family: May you be comforted knowing she isn't suffering.

Beckie Pomponio

June 27, 2011

Although it has been years since I saw you last, I have fond memories of you. rushing me to the ER, yelling through you car speaker at the cars to get out of your way, and they did! May you rest in peace and know you will be missed, tonight I will say a prayer for you at sunset and wish you a happy life on the other side.

Beckie P.

Mike Cummings

June 27, 2011

I always look forward to going to the desert during the outings in the Mohave seeing all the familiar faces and looking for that old blazer parked at one of the old cabins or tucked away out in the desert. We had lot's of fun shooting at cans, prospecting or just telling stories. Everyone that new Lorna will miss her. My prayers are with you.

Shawn Dugan

June 26, 2011

Yes it was very sad to hear the news of Lorna. I have very good and fun memories of her. She will be missed by all in the desert.

Greg Quimby

June 26, 2011

I was very sad to hear Lorna had passed. She had become A fixture at our desert outings and we all spent alot of time together prospecting for gold, Target shooting and just plain having FUN! We will all miss you Lorna. Our prayers are with you Jon.

Dan Rucker

June 26, 2011

We looked forward to seeing Lorna every time we visited the desert. She loved the desert and we loved her company. Lorna we will miss you and the place won't be the same without you. God Bless.

cindy lee henson

June 24, 2011

she will be remembered by every sunset, sunrise, rock, leaf, and full moon...there were countless amounts of great times, rescues, and laughs! i will miss her when i go out artifactin, gamblin, & just plain ol' 4 wheelin'! we had shared some really great memories the last few years, she will never be forgotten....

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