Neal M. Burns

Dear Neal, I wish I had the opportunity to tell you how much your friendship and mentoring meant to me. Your sage advice has been an immense help in my life, and your witty commentary in our talks are going to be cherished forever. You are missed my friend.

I’ve been very fortunate to work with Martha, and therefore I got to spend some moments with Neal (actually in three continents!). Of course, it was the stories that he told—the wonderful stories from his childhood in Chicago and from his advertising days. But it was more—it was also about his curiosity, his fascination and interest in all things human (and technology). The feeling that for a moment, you were in his circle, in his life and that you were part of his story—and your life just...

Neal - I met you as a friend and ALWAYS thoroughly enjoyed you and your friendship! Even though our time together was limited, I always believed you to be a delightful, loving and incredible good friend. Thank you for your time with me and with Norm. You will be in our hearts forever! Love to you and to Martha!!!

Dear Neal,
You were on my mind today, as you have been now and then ever since I graduated from the PhD program in 2003, but when I put your name in Google to see what latest adventure you were up to and saw the word Obituary, my heart broke. I guess I thought you would live forever.

You were my first professor at UT and you meant so much to me. I remember the first day of account planning when we all thought you were bizarre because you started the class off by making us...

As he did for many, Dr. Burns opened my mind to different ways of thinking and approaching life - both professionally and personally. Every interaction left me with either an interesting story or something to ponder later. I'll never forget my first course with him - it featured readings from ancient philosophers and readings from the NYT - where Dr. Burns would open up the morning paper and start an often-fascinating discussion. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all whose...

Dr. Burns is that one name I have when someone says, "Name a teacher that changed your life".

Dr. Burns introduced me to account planning, changing the course of my career, and subsequently my life.

I regret not fully expressing this all to him when I had the chance.

He was a character, but one that cared. He'd wave if we spotted him out driving - top down, poodle in passenger seat. He took my dad out when he visited me in Austin...I never found out where they went. He...

Neal was such an inspirational voice to those around him. He always had a current perspective on what was driving behaviors of those that consumed messages with impact. But it went so much further in so many ways. The time we spent together was always such a great experience. Meeting his family was a special treat. Martha, thanks so much for introducing us as we explored story telling together and what that means to life. We will miss him.
Best, Dave

Oh Neal. All those amazing conversations and dinners; so much professional support over the years. Such a spirit and a sprite, always mischievous and brilliant and curious and energetic. Love to his family...