John Elliot Burnet

I only met John a few times but for me it was enough to know that he brought Deidre a special love and contentment in mid-life? It is good to read that he also supported Katie and Rory so well too. What I did respect and miss about John was his quiet, confident demure character. We did share a love for the countryside and wilder places including birds of prey which he noted in his many journeys across Cumbria and Northumberland. Sort of regret I didn't see him and Deidre in early retirement in Spain and guess we all think we have more time than we have (as well as busy early family life).

10 years has passed John and my love has not diminished although the pain has dulled. Miss you always x

John was a great man. He was generous, loving and hard working and was a credit to himself and all who knew him. He was always a rock for me, my mother and katie and we all love him and miss him terribly.

I love you mate and thanks for everything that you did and for being a part of all our lives.

I think I met John when we both interviewed for the same job in 1981/2.First impressions were "big brash geordie". So were second! But I got to know him better and would like to think we were friends. I remember John and Dee coughing the dawn chorus after the first ciggie of the morning at Higham Hall. John tapping his ciggie ash into his shoe and putting it back on. I'm sure he would have lots of friends in Spain and am sorry I never got over to see him and Dee.

Jeff Brown

When I think of John I remember a man with great character -strong, approachable and wise, but also with compassion and gentleness. To hear of the life he enjoyed with Dee in Spain just made me smile, I can picture him sitting in the bar, with everyone around hanging on his every word!
Dee, I hope the many memories you have of John bring you comfort at this difficult time.

To say that John was the best boss I ever had would be to understate everything he was. When you worked for John he wasn't just your boss, he was your friend. He led a great team, but the greatness came from him. He encouraged us to work hard but to enjoy ourselves as well. Lovely to hear from Dee at his memorial how much he relished his life in Spain, but tragic that it was cut short. Somewhere, out of our reach, he's already started to gather a host of new friends. Thanks, John, for adding something special to the lives of everyone who knew you.

Thank you are two little words that can mean so much or so little. When saying them about the life of John Burnet they are at their fullest. Judi and I have known John for all of our married life (34 years) and have so many happy memories of the times we spent with him that they will remain in our hearts for ever. John was a lovely man who loved and was loved for himself. Sadly those two words that we started out with will never be said to him and that it is our one regret. We never said them to John,

We have just returned from the wonderful and moving memorial service that Dee organised, and the words spoken by her and John's sister June, were comforting for those us who were unable to make our farewells in Spain and I'm sure will help us bear our grief with fortitude. May he rest in peace on that beautiful Border's Hillside, through the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the colours of autumn and the cold of winter. "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." John shared in our happiness and for that we say thank you.

Judi and Gareth Davies

John and Dee welcomed us into their home and encouraged us to join them on Pensionista Trips as part of our integration into the spanish culture (photo shows lunch group at the highest village in continental Spain). John became my closest friend, his gift of friendship, our love of books and lunchtime conversations will be sorely missed. I'll treasure the memories.

John loved exploring Spain, his mastering of the language was impressive and he made those trips great fun. He was kind and generous to everyone. Even our doggies automatically knew he was a man with a big heart when they met him. You will always live on in our hearts John, With love,
Jean Hodson

I loved working for John, some of my happiest years at work, starting in 1988. He was held in huge respect and affection by those who knew him. He was never unapproachable, always an encourager and a supporter of the people he led. A couple of private notes, and a couple of occasions when he sought me out, to thank me for work that I had done for him have always stayed with me. Deidre, June, the remembrance at Ettleton today was beautiful and the poem, June, was perfect.

Shall miss your company and conversation: long lunches will not be the same. Generosity and unstinting hospitality were always in abundance in the Burnet home. Thanks too for your kindness.
Dee has been much in our thoughts.
Fond memories,
Jill

Thanks for letting me part of your squad.
Thanks for all your help and guidance.
Thank you for being our friend.
Adam, Aynslie,Victoria, Tavis, Penta, Dave and Diane

One of the best friends anyone could have wished for. I am honoured to have known and shared a joke with you. May you rest in peace. All our love Matt, Jo, Luke & Lauren (Radar, Ragsy & the brats)

Many very fond memories of working in Economic Development with you and BSG at the helm, two of the best bosses ever. Not to say you wouldn’t set cheek given half a chance, but you got the best out of people, having faith in them to the best they could and giving them opportunity to shine. I remember once someone looking under your chair on a night out because they thought ‘the sun must shine out of your backside’ as they never heard a bad word about you! They were right.
God Bless You,
Jayne x

Thank you John, for the years that you supported, guided, and helped me and my family. Thank you for the biggest gift you could have given, my education, which has led me to a career that I love. Thank you for giving my Mum 18 years of happiness, and allowing her to live the dream of living in Spain. Thank you for helping me learn how to do algebra easily, thank you for showing me so much of the world on family holidays. Thank you for supporting me through a teenage pregnancy, and the tough years that followed. Thank you for loving me as a parent, and my children as a grandparent. Thank you for leaving my Mum with so many friends who loved and respected you, who will always make her smile with the many stories of you to share. Thank you for believing in all my ambitions and for teaching me that you are never remembered for what you say you will do, only for what you actually do with your life.

John was the brother I never had. I spent golden childhood days with him and his sisiter June and we always shared the special occasions in our lives- the happy and the sad times.For my mother, Marjorie, he was always the reminder of her only brother, Jack, who was killed on the last day of World War 2 and was doubly precious for that. There will always be a place in our hearts and memories for John and the world is a poorer place for his passing. Our thoughts are with Dee.
Love from cousin Brenda and all the faamily

My boss John enjoying my jacuzzi - bless!

John was a gentleman and a real character known to all in Hondon. It was an honour to have known him and our thoughts are with Dee and all their family

I think about how much I miss him, and start to feel sorry for myself.....but then I think about all the people who never got the chance to meet him, and I start to feel sorry for them.
All my love, your niece Victoria

My candle burns at both ends
it will not last the night
But, oh my foes and oh my friends,
It gives a lovely light!

As you know, John, this was one of our father's favourite verses and his final epitaph. We always smiled when we heard it on New Year's Eve and other special occasions. Now, John, I am passing it on to you because it so epitomises the way you lived your life to the full, working hard, always striving to achieve the best, and without even being aware of it, spreading the light of your friendship and love to all you met. You made the world a better, brighter place for lots of people, John, and we will miss you!
Your ever-loving sister,
June

Many treasured memories of John. My thoughts now go to his wife and sister. Rest in peace with Polly and Walter from Sue x

he had so many to give.....
we are thankful we could share those wonderful moments in Spain....
thanks John...
Love for you,Dee.Wil and Son,Belgium.

A good man and treasured friend will be greatly missed.Ron and Janet Williams in Spain

Good friend, good company, you will be greatly missed.

You were a truly inspirational leader for Cumbria County Council and your warm and down to earth character enabled you to communicate at all levels within the organisation and community. The Council was never quite the same place for me when you retired in 1997 and I was really pleased to meet Deidrie and yourself just before you emigrated. Life has been better for knowing you John. My thoughts are with you Deidrie.

Goodbye my darling. Deirdre x.