Chris Burns

Chris Burns Oct. 7, 1954 - Oct. 24, 2010 About five decades ago, Christopher Andrew Burns, on a sunny autumn day in Michigan to parents who fostered his understanding of life's truly valuable things, started his journey. Chris caught wanderlust early in his life, hitched to Chicago, saw America, lived in Nepal and Sweden, finally landing in this city of St. Francis in 1978, but often traveled again, including claiming his birthright, an Irish citizenship. As a self-taught guitar wizard, Chris lent his amazing finesse to many bands including The Weeds, Domino Theory, The Casual Italians, and The Tenants, which he named after one of the many obscure movies to which he would drag his friends. He lived a life less ordinary, scorned pointless ambition, had an acerbic wit, generous spirit and integrity that made him a joy to all who knew him, with blue eyes and a sweet smile that left a trail of broken hearts round the world. But it couldn't be helped. They weren't Nina, his soulmate and partner in crime, the one who captured his heart. He was a kid who never grew old, honest, nave, and wise, and was taken too soon too soon from his family and close friends who love him beyond measure, and will not be consoled, until they gaze at a Waterloo sunset with him on a Friday night in Paradise. In remembrance of Chris, and any guitarist you love, go to a local club and see a real band who play their own songs on their own instruments. * Born in Muskegon, Michigan to LaVerne & Elizabeth Burns (both deceased). * Brother to Pat, Eileen, Mike and Dave (deceased). He will also be missed by his sister-in-law Beth, nephews & nieces Kane, Colleen, Kyle & Kevin. * Beloved Partner to Yannina (Nina) Yang. Loved dearly like a Son-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, and Uncle by Hong-Yi, Mei-Chih, Yolanda, Maile, Will, and especially Phoebe & Chloe. * Treasured Friend to so many, but most especially... Graham, Anne, Colin, Tim, Nancy, Pat, Jeff , John, and Wendy.