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David Burris Obituary
Dave was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Greenville and passed away Dec. 12, 2015, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon.
After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1954 to 1956, Dave graduated from Wittenberg University. He then taught art and supervised numerous extracurricular activities at Riverside High School for 33 years before retiring in 1991.
A frequent blood platelet donor, he served on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, as well as on the board of the Friends of Morley Library and as president of the Lake County Federal Credit Union. He was a member of First Church Congregational and Elks Lodge #549.
Dave was an organizer for Concord Community Days for many years and in 1998 was named Concord Citizen of the Year.
He is survived by his children, Michael Burris of Lake Worth, FL, Heather Burris of Boston, MA, and Ed (Sharon) Burris of Warsaw, IN, and was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Dora (Canada) Burris.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Church Congregational.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Burris
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Linda Gandee
December 9, 2020
Dearest Dave,
It doesn't seem possible it has been five years since you left us. This world lost a special brightness that you gave to everyone who was lucky enough to know you. I hope you are making all the angels and Saints double over with laughter as you did with all of us. We were all blessed to have you in our lives.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Scott Pesci
April 13, 2017
As a new teacher in a new town away from family and friends, Dave opened his heart and made me feel at home.
Linda Gandee
December 17, 2016
So many good memories...good times and lots of laughing. You are so missed Dave. You will not be forgotten.
Mary Lou (Brown) Eby
May 14, 2016
I was just going through my holiday cards from 2015 and found his card. No note in his shaky hand but his cell phone number. I'm sorry David that I didn't get your hint that you wanted me to call. One of my favorite teachers.
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Greg Dick
December 31, 2015
Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I still have a lot of good memories from his art classes back in the day. I learned a lot from him and he did a lot to help me pursue a career in art. Even after graduating high school he would recommend me to people he knew for freelance work. I would also stop by to visit him and have a chat. He was a wealth of information, had a great sense of humor, and was always fun to talk to about anything.
Thanks for taking the time Mr. Burris. You will be missed.
Doug Inscho
December 27, 2015
The Burris family, my sincere condolences for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mr. Burris from classes, sets for plays and as a member of the RHS family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
D C
December 25, 2015
Rest In Peace Mr. Burris as a teacher and friend you were 2nd to none!! God has another angel!!
Sue Chapman
December 24, 2015
Good by, dear Dave. Although Chappie has been gone 38 years now, it seems like only yesterday that we were all in the Vogue Lounge, laughing and joking, as you two guys traded quips (and business cards!) to see who would get the one up for the day. You were the best man at our wedding and did a sterling job, even if you got lost finding that little church in Mentor. You saw our family grow and taught them much more than art at Riverside. Mark, Matthew and Jennifer all send their condolences to your family, as do I. I hope you and Chap are having a good reunion.
M Bear
December 22, 2015
For HB - I am sorry.
Cathy Holder
December 20, 2015
Mr.Burris became more than my teacher he was my friend.We did weight watchers forever but now he no longer has to worry.I missed seeing him at Heinen's where he would always share his receipes.my condolences to his family
sheila hullihen
December 19, 2015
his business card said -" genius and part time shepherd" which was so typically him... but missed some important parts. he was an artist- in any medium of life, people, events, groups, teaching, conversations, motivating, signs... on and on. he had the uncanny ability to catalog and size up the available resources and put a whole together that was greater and any foreseeable outcome. success is doing that once - mastery is doing it at will - genius is doing it in any venue.
the other piece missing is he was a teacher in every dimension of the word. what made Mr. Burris special as a mentor teacher was that instead of using some measurement system to assign you to good, better , best - he would meet you where you were and say lets see where we can go from here. talent and ability were irrelevant. he told me a hundred times, " great talents and a buck fifty cant even get you coffee in some places. talent and ability wont get you anywhere unless you see how to use them. he told me the mistake many people make, is that they look at what they think they know about what they can do - and see it as an end point. it isnt the end, it is the beginning. he taught me to collect what i think i know, my talent and ability and then run right up to that edge and jump... use it as a jumping off place. what a wonderful gift and what a great journey it has been.
he introduced me to so many things that became great parts of my life.
heart flag half mast - hats off salute.
Elizabeth B
December 18, 2015
Dave came up to the Concord Coffeehouse when I worked there in high school. He called me Sister Elizabeth because I went to Lake Catholic. He was a funny man who always held a special place in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend. Til I see you some day...
Linda Gandee
December 18, 2015
Dave was a blessing in my life. He was a dear sweet friend and befriended me in so many ways. I am so grateful he was a part of my life and I will miss him every single day. Rest in peace dear man. You so richly deserve it.
Amy Crothers
December 18, 2015
I have thought of Mr. Burris many, many times over the past 30 years. He was one if my most favorite teachers and will be greatly missed. My heart is with his family at this time. Amy Jo Lemon Crothers
Sue Cicconetti Crews
December 18, 2015
I have such fond memories of Mr. Burris. He was my art teacher throughout high school. I so looked forward to his class. He taught more than Art. We learned many life lessons from Mr. Burris. He was fair and kind and respected every person. He made us laugh every day with his clever remarks. He was a very special person whom I will fondly remember.
Wayne Tecil
December 17, 2015
Mr. Burris taught me a lot about art and life from his class room 104 at Riverside. He will always be in my memories. My condolences to his family........class of 1961
Nancy & Bob Heinz
December 17, 2015
We met Dave through Concord Community Days and have never known anyone as dedicated as he was other than the others he worked with. Through that we got to see how much difference he had made in his students lives whenever they approached him. He was very special to us and our busy conflicting schedules have distanced us lately, but he always comes up in conversation. He has left some pretty big shoes to fill! We were just thinking the other day of the bread he would deliver every Christmas....sadly missed. Prayers to the family
Tomisi Kikama
December 17, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss.
John Manix
December 17, 2015
From our freshman year at Greenville High School until just a few days ago...my closest and dearest friend. Hollis, I miss you. Knute Manix
Trina Brown-Zdraveff
December 17, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Donna DuFour Parsons
December 16, 2015
He was my favorite teacher, I took art every year at RHS. He was a very kind person and awesome teacher. My condolences to his family.
ELLEN Breedlove Ambrosini
December 16, 2015
Though I never had him as a teacher as I couldn't schedule art in, I did have him for homeroom and kept in touch with him on facebook. He was a great man and all of Riverside High will not forget him!
December 16, 2015
Although I did not take art at RHS, I will remember Mr Burris as one of the kindest, sincere people I know. Can't forget running into him at Painesville Perk with the "coffee bunch"
Rest in peace, Sir.
Debbie Demeter-Marple
Linda Ramsey Miller
December 16, 2015
Mr. Burris was my favorite teacher in high school. He was always very kind and interested in his students. He will always be in my memories along with his smile. Thank you Mr. Burris for everything you gave to us. Go with God, Linda Ramsey Miller
Janice Campbell
December 16, 2015
It is so hard to say good bye to special people in our lives and you were certainly that. While you urged me to call you David..and I was eventually able to do so, you will always be Mr. B to me. I believe you thought the use of "Mr. B" Was too formal in our old age, but to me it was an endearing name.
As Cathy Whitely mentioned on another site, we worked closely with you on the HS yearbook way back when. Great memories and we thank you for the opportunity.
I wish we could meet for another cup of coffee. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Robin (Fritchie) Hucks
December 15, 2015
My teacher, my friend....memories that will always be cherished xo
Sandie Sajner
December 15, 2015
We seem to have a least one teacher that stands above all the rest. Mine was David Burris. My art teacher in 10, 11 and 12th grades. He was always the happiest man I have ever met. He made learning fun and a breeze. Many of us got to be behind the scenes and paint the back drops of all the plays, and we got to be the make-up artists for all the actors and actresses, that were put on at Riverside, directed by David Shaner. Between those two fantastic teachers, all of us got to see the best of the best. The memories that I have of David Burris are endless. He influenced my life in the most positive way and I never hesitated to tell him that each time I saw him way after graduation and beyond. One of his statements that I just love is: "If you want anything done, ask a busy person. They'll be sure to do it well and get it done quickly". That is one realistic and true statement! David treated every student with fairness and showed no favoritism. A very patient, kind and gentle man and interested in making sure to direct you to being the very best person you could be. David Burris, seeing this photo, reading your obituary makes me cry and tear up. You have been such a great person and are bigger than life in my book. You will be truly missed. Thanks for the mighty fine memories that I have of you. We have lost a real warrior.
Eddie Swango
December 15, 2015
Gods speed
Eddie Swango
December 15, 2015
part of me is because of this man,thank you! RIP
Rose Moore
December 15, 2015
Dave was loved by so many people. I don't know where there could be a place large enough to accommodate all the friends he has made. Wherever he was, there was friendship and laughter.
Cindy Eskesen
December 15, 2015
I remember Mr. Burris with great fondness. Rest in peace, sir.
William Talcott
December 15, 2015
I very well remember Mr. Burris playing 'Johnny Mathis' albums during Art class. A very nice gentleman. My sympathy to his loved ones.
Sincerely, Bill Talcott 12/15/15
Linda Spear Keene
December 15, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Burris' family and friends. Rest in Peace!
December 15, 2015
Good night, Sir. See ya soon.
Leslie Dedrick Kuebler
December 15, 2015
Dave Burris will always be Mr. Burris to me. I would not be the artist I am today without his guidance and support. I'm thankful we crossed paths.
Paul King
December 15, 2015
Dave was one the "backbones" of the community as well as a great educator. To say he will be missed is such an understatement.
Judith Hempel
December 15, 2015
What a blessing it has been to have known Dave as a teacher, an artist, and a friend!
He always had such a great sense of humor and maintained that throughout his life.
He will be missed by many!
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