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Frank Burns Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Burns
Gabriel Christopher Downey
December 24, 2024
Frank Burns was my gym teacher at the Orthogenic School. I credit him with getting me back into P.E. activities. He allowed me to have fun and strengthen my body at the same. He was more than a teacher to me. He was almost Ike a father figure watching over me. I really miss him.
Kimberley R Davis
January 10, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear that Frank has passed, I knew him at Casa Colina in CA in the early '80's before he moved back to the Midwest. He was such a good man, a heart of gold, and on top of that very easy to be with. I've never forgotten him even though we lost touch. He left a wonderful legacy and his family I'm sure is very proud of who he affected in his short life. My deepest condolences
Madelynn Lloyd
April 10, 2021
It was a few years ago when I met him. I was a small and shy girl that was on her first day of gym, first day of a new school due to past bullying in the last school. I was quiet when he called me over and I walked over, he could tell I’ve been through a lot more then bullying and he wanted to help me face my fears. He put his hand on my head and I looked up and he smiled looking down at me and for the first time in a while, it felt warm. My heart sparked inside and I started to feel warm and I smiled a true smile for the first time in a few days.....that’s when he gave me a nickname I’ll never forget “Mad Madi! We are playing dodgeball and your one of the team captains!” Thats when I smiled hard but purely because I felt something pure. He was not just a ordinary man or teacher or mentor or anyone you would ever meet. Coach Frank, when I needed him, he was there for me. When I cried, he was the shoulder I could lean on, he was the one I talked to. He was the one I trusted so much with my life that he wanted to help me by helping me stay strong by teaching me wisdom and respect.I’m so grateful because I had help from others too and my mom too which you always respected her as a person and I thank you for doing that because I am so proud to say you can rest easy knowing I will be ok and that you taught me respect people for who they are as a person always, to show wisdom to others so they can have a voice and a true path for themselves and most importantly to always be myself to never change myself because people say it because I’m worth everything. Coach Frank, Thank You for Being one of the people in my life who saved me. I honestly would not be myself if you hadn’t helped me. So I’m so very grateful for everything you have done for me. And I’ll always miss you, you always were family to me. Rest In Peace Coach Love, Madelynn Lloyd.
jayden mallory
November 27, 2020
i know i'm late but i would like to say that coach frank was the best coach i've ever had i went to the oschool in august of 2017 and me being a basketball player i started to worry A LOT about how i would change physically and strength wise i thought i would leave the Oschool and not play on my AAU team but when in was there he always kept me in shape physically and mentally he was so funny and just unique i don't think i will ever meet anyone else in my life who can give you a nickname as soon as they saw you and you actually like it he was just such a good person he was such a good coach but a even better person there are some coaches that always expect perfection but if coach frank saw a way to help you physically or mentally he would try his absolute hardest and wouldn't give up. he will always hold a special place in my heart i will never forget him and i know his family friends coworkers siblings and just anyone who got the chance to know him will miss him too. REMEMBER HE MAY NOT BE WITH US PHYSICALLY BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US EMOTIONALLY rest in peace coach, and thank you. #LLF
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Deb Beetstra-Madden
February 17, 2020
Our dearest Frank, we were all devastated when we heard the news 2/15/20! Frank has been a family friend to the Beetstra families since 1973...when he first came out to the farm. My Uncle Bill put him to work immediately! Frank responded in kind with gusto and humor. He spent many meals at our tables with engaging conversations and lots of laughter. After my husband died Frank was there as a shoulder to lean on and someone who would come up to the farm and help clean alpaca pens...that's the kind of person he was. When mom died a few months ago he reached out again to make sure that we were all doing okay. His zest and zeal for life were like no other. The only consolation I have with any of this is that he is with his buddies...David and Greg. Rest in peace dear fried! You will always be; "Farmer-wanna-be Frank" Love you
Becky Carey
February 10, 2020
To the Burns family, you have my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. We loved Frank. My husband Greg Carey, Frank (Burnsie) & David Beetsra (Beater) became friends in college. Both Burnsie and Beater were in our wedding in '78. Greg & Beater passed away in 2015. Frank had been so kind & supportive and we were trying to get together. I learned of his passing 2.5.20. I'm shocked and so sad. The 4 of us shared so many good times together. Burnsie was so funny and he brought out the best in all of us. So fun! This hurts and I'm only comforted in knowing those guys are together in heaven.
Stan E Fairchild
January 26, 2020
Frank and i became friends when he was a student teacher at the high school i attended. He later made me an assistant coach to at UW-Whitewater on the wheelchair basketball team. We remained friends for 40 plus years but this just threw me for a loop as we last talked not to long ago. Love and prayers to Peter, Cowboy, Mary Ellen and Gini
Stan E Fairchild
January 26, 2020
I met Frank in high school when he was a student teacher. I then attended UW-Whitewater where I became his assistant coach. We remained friends over the years. A lot of laughs at my expense, lol, but fun! This caught me by surprise. My love to his brothers and sisters.
I was an assistant to Frank at UW-Whitewater. He was a great friend always
Stan E Fairchild
January 26, 2020
DOUG STEVENSON
January 22, 2020
To Pete, Meg, Annie, Liam & the entire Burns family -- So sorry for your loss. Pete so often talked with pride of his brother Frank and his deep, committed involvement in wheelchair athletics. My heart goes out to you. Stay close, be well. Love, Doug
Beacher!!
January 22, 2020
john cosgrove
January 21, 2020
Years ago, 1983 or so, I spent 3 years in Whitewater as an Asst Professor of Military Science. Frank was my best friend. We were neighbors at Whitewater Lake, were comrades at the university, and played hours of basketball together. Though we moved on I knew we were connected for life. His heart was bigger than his body. As a friend - none better. I am sad. I would challenge everyone to think what they are doing to better their community - and if you need a model for how to think this through think of Frank.
Julie
January 19, 2020
I only met Coach Frank twice but I was moved by how much I could feel that he cared about his students. My son was a student of his and he shared some insightful observations with me to try to help him during parent teacher conferences. He was a special person. My son is impacted by this loss and he will be greatly missed.
Patrick Maher
January 16, 2020
I'll miss Frank's wonderful Irish humor (dark and sarcastic) coupled with his warm and engaging way of pulling everyone together as a team. He epitomized what it means to be a "coach". Deep condolences to his entire family.
Marina and Andy Fleming
January 15, 2020
Andy and I met Frank in Santa Barbara in 1979 through involvement with the California Wheelchair Games. He was the best man at our wedding in 1982, and we stayed in and out of contact through the last 40 years. We have fond memories of him as a wheelchair football, basketball and tennis coach, and for developing the programs at Lake Shore Rehabilitation in Birmingham. He was important to our kids as well, as their "God Coach of Sports Development".
We enjoyed his occasional visits through the years, which were always filled with good memories and laughter. We will miss him.
Parker
January 15, 2020
My son just loved Coach Frank. He said he was such a nice guy. We are so sorry for your loss and will miss him dearly.
Jack Casey
January 14, 2020
I was so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He made me laugh, every time I saw him! My deepest regrets to the entire Burns family. He will be missed by many!
Jodi Mitrick
January 14, 2020
The entire Burns family I am so sad to learn of this news. I was blessed to be friends for so many years. After almost 50 years Frank and I reconnected and it was like no time had passed. Sending emails and hoping to see each other. God only takes the specials ones early. You were always special especially to me.
Carole Jones
January 13, 2020
Thank you Coach Frank for the work and support you provided my son when he attended school, you will be missed greatly. Footprints in the sand is all that a person leaves and Coach Frank's were deep and wide. Thank you again for being a part of healing a little boy and providing him hope and guidance.
Gary Beach
January 12, 2020
I met Frank. T. Burns in Birmingham, AL playing club lacrosse for Pete's Magic City in the mid' 90's. He first picked up a stick in his late thirty's. He loved the Creator's game and played masters tournaments, when he could. He was actually scheduled to play in Florida right after he passed.
In 2000 I traveled to Sydney, OZ to watch him coach the USA Paralympic Basketball team. What an amazing experience!! He was also a tennis pro & was on the University of Kentucky Freshman Basketball team. (Pic to follow)
He is such a neat renaissance man that devoted his infectious positivity, with a baritone Chicago Brogue to all he came into contact with, especially his students, players, team mates and Hotel omelette makers.
#growthegame
You will be missed as a friend in my life for 25 years.
BEACHER!!!
January 12, 2020
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Jimmy May
January 12, 2020
Our condolences to Frank Burns family,
I met Frank about 35 years ago he was a good friend and mentor of wheelchair basketball.
I was honored when he presented me my plaque induction into the Hall of Fame last year in Akron Ohio.
Frank will be greatly missed by all that knew him and specially the N.W.B.A family
Jimmy May
Tim Stout
January 11, 2020
To the Family of Frank Burns,
We were fortunate to share over 4 decades of life with Frank.He was unique and was never at a loss for words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tim, Joline & Eleanor Stout
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