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Karen Burns Obituary
Kar Burns is survived by her parents, Dr. Robert Ramey and Mrs. Mildred Ramey; her children Liisa Whitin, Tasha Snedaker, Lara Laperle, and Alexander Burns; her grandchildren Jon, Katie, and Ava; and her friend Tom Walsh.
Kar Burns was an internationally known forensic scientist and anthropologist. She was a field researcher, explorer, writer, teacher and adjunct professor at University of Georgia, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the University of Utah. She was involved in national and international human rights work and forensic identification.
Beyond her professional work, Kar had many talents. She loved to dance, sing, and knit; she played in the chime and bell choirs in Athens and Salt Lake City. She was a naturalist, a thespian, and an orator. She was a joyful and loving person with a beautiful smile. Her welcoming ways will be missed.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 2:00pm on January 14, 2012 at Wasatch Presbyterian Church; 1626 S 1700 E, Salt Lake City. A receiving line and light refreshments will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Human Rights Watch (www.hrw.org) or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Burns
Claudia Frost
December 18, 2021
I knew Karen since I was a small child, she was friends with my parents and her daughter Tasha was my friend. I used to babysit for her younger children. I am so sad that she died so young, she was a wonderful person and is missed.
Sheryl & Norm Simpson
June 1, 2012
I just found out the sad news after googling my friend, Kar! I would do that occasionally just to check out her latest escapades, as lately we corresponded only a time or two a year. We were next door neighbors for 6 years in Athens when the kids were small. I knew about and appreciated her famous works and many talents, but my husband and I connected with her and Larry on the level of busy, involved parents with kids at the same school. Too many memories to write, but we became fast friends immediately and had many adventures and New Year's Eves together. God bless you, Kar and Larry, and also your most precious legacy, your wonderful family.
Everett Solomons
February 17, 2012
Karen came to our laboratory on a highway safety grant in the 1990's and quickly became a significant contributor. Her enthusiasm and energy were contagious. She produced the only meaningful epidemiology study of DUI Drugs for the State of Georgia's Office of Highway Safety. I haven't talked with her in a number of years, but I will miss her very much.
My sincere sympathy to her children and parents,
Everett Solomons, Retired Supervisor of the Forensic Toxicology Section of the GBI- Division of Forensic Sciences
Janet Levy
January 17, 2012
Kar was a wonderful colleague, teacher, and friend at UNC Charlotte. She contributed significantly to the success of the anthropolog program here. She was a fine vocal performer too and a person who expressed enthusiasm for life. I am shocked to hear of her death...much, much too young. I will miss her, and send condolences to her family.
Tom King, Gary Quigg, Kar aboard the Naia, 2007
Tom Roberts
January 15, 2012
I have known Kar for several years, owing to our mutual involvement in TIGHAR's quest to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance in 1937. Both of us were participants in the 2007 TIGHAR expedition to Nikumaroro. She was a very serious researcher and a warm and wonderful member of the team with a whimsical side. I was surprised to learn that she had numerous and varied interests in addition to the one we had in common; she touched the lives of so many people. When she decided to move to Utah I was optimistic that we would see more of each other for years to come. Shock and sadness are inadequate words to fully describe my sense of loss. I am sure all who knew her feel the same.
Cheryl Soshnik
January 14, 2012
To Kar's family: It was a beautiful memorial service today. There were a number of her new friends from the Wasatch Mountain Club in attendance, friends she has made in these few short years in Utah. From bicycling, to hiking, to the sing-alongs and other parties, Kar had great fun doing all of these activities. She will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful and unique person and I am happy that I got a chance to meet her, if even for too short a time.
Brooke Crowson
January 14, 2012
I was a student of Dr. Burns in UNCC - she was amazing in having high expectations for her students, but encouraging field level work in our activities and projects. The world was a better place with Dr. Burns in it, and her legacy will keep that alive through the lives she touched. Her family and colleagues are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest Peacefully Dr. Burns.
Gordon Martin
January 14, 2012
I met Dr. Burns back in 1996 and learned so much from her Osteology and Forensic Osteology courses. Working and traveling with her enriched my life and I really do not know where I would be if it was not for her. Thank you for everything and you will be remembered fondly and appreciatively. My deepest condolences to the family.
Laura Morgan
January 14, 2012
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Burns. She taught my Physical Anthro course at UNCC, with lots of forensics thrown in. It was one of the best courses I've ever taken, and the knowledge she shared has stayed with me while other courses quickly faded from memory. Students of Anthropology and Forensic Science have lost a caring and guiding light.
My love and prayers go out to your family.
Carrie Robb
January 13, 2012
Am stunned and saddened by the news of the unexpected loss of Dr. Karen Burns, who was my 'unofficial' advisor at UNCC after Dr. Reichs went on book tour. She taught me so much about forensics and teaching bioanth labs; both by teaching and letting me teach (unpaid, of course, but not much she could do about that). Well, maybe not totally unpaid. She bought me a lot of beer. :). More than that, she was my friend for those 3 years. She held my hand at the doctors office when my mother was too far away to hold it, she helped me through 2 break ups, and convinced me, after all, that I should go to grad school. Without Kar, my life would have been very different, and I would have missed out on a brilliant mind and a beautiful smile that will live on in my heart. You were loved and will be sorely missed.
Nora Lundin
January 13, 2012
Lara and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nora
Todd Sartain
January 13, 2012
I got to work with Dr. Burns a couple of times while a Crime Scene Inv. in Athens, GA while she was at UGA. The two cases I worked with her while in Athens, I felt as if I got a free education in Forensic Anthropology. Thank you Dr. Burns. God bless your family.
Megan Cope
January 13, 2012
Dr Burns was such an inspiring person. Perhaps it's a little selfish of me, but I am so disappointed that I won't get to take more classes from her at the University of Utah. Her dedication to her work was an inspiration to many, myself included. An outstanding teacher and a brilliant scientist, she will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.
Sandra Manwaring
January 13, 2012
Kar, we sure do miss your enthusiastic spirit and smile. May peace find the hearts of your loved ones.
Andres Pena
January 12, 2012
Dr Burns, I was left wishing that I have met you, I showed up to class, expecting to see you, all I got was the bad news.
I know I never met you in this world, but somehow I have known you for a while. I can feel the connection we had as teacher/student just by plain emails regarding class.... I know your children right now are devastated because you aren't in this physical world any longer, this is my message to them: everything is fine, she is happy right now, she will be looking down to you guys and will keep you protected.
She did a fine work in this planet, she will continue that fine work beyond of what we can all comprehend.
God speed Dr. Burns, this isn't a goodbye, but a I will see you later.
Daniel Postellon
January 12, 2012
I will miss Dr. Burns, and her contributions to TIGHAR. She was an inspiration to me, and I appreciated her inputs and her work ouside this organisation.
Jordan Myers
January 12, 2012
Thank you for being you Dr. Burns. I will never forget our short time together, and all that you taught me.
January 12, 2012
The Gainesville Chapter NSDAR extends sincere sympathy to the family of Kar Ramey Burns. Some of us had the pleasure of visiting with her in Gainesville FL this fall. We know she will be missed. Dorothy "Dot" H. Hope, Regent, Gainesville Chapter NSDAR
Emily Lucero
January 12, 2012
Dr. Burns was my Forensic Anthropology and Human Osteology professor at the University of Utah and my love of anthropology is greatly due to her influence. This loss comes with great sadness. Thank you, Dr. Burns, for the passion and dedication for the field that you demonstrated every day.
Emily Lucero
January 12, 2012
Dr. Burns was my Forensic Anthropology and Human Osteology professor at the University of Utah and it was in large part to her and her teaching that I came to love anthropology. I am stunned by the loss, and she and her great influence will be very much missed. Thank you for everything, Dr. Burns
Sarah Hughes
January 12, 2012
You are my hero Dr. B. I will miss you so much.
Bill & Kathleen LaMeres
January 12, 2012
Rest in peace, Kar. You certainly are being missed.
Tom and Tish Santosky
January 12, 2012
Sending our love and sincere condolences to Kar's family and friends. She was an impressive woman both personally and professionally, and we count ourselves among the fortunate folks that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Linda Morgan
January 12, 2012
Karen your smile is forever engraved on my heart. I will always remember you.
unknown Student
January 12, 2012
I didn't know her but her students will greatly miss her. :) Rest in peace Dr. Burns.
Bonnie Johnson
January 12, 2012
Karen I will miss you forever. Love Bonnie
Kelli Quilter
January 12, 2012
My condolences to friends and loved ones. I was lucky enough to take her Forensic Anthropology class last semester. She will be greatly missed.
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