David Burnett

1954 - 2014

Retired Kenai Fire Chief Dave Burnett, 60, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2014 in Soldotna.
Born in Washington, D.C. on May 1, 1954, Dave came to Alaska as a very young child. He was an Alaskan through and through and enjoyed everything Alaska had to offer. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and especially loved doing all those things with his grandchildren. He commercial fished with his first wife's family as a youngster and truly loved his in-laws, Tru and Vivian McGrady.
Dave was passionate about his life-long career as a firefighter. He spent 26 years with the Kenai Fire Department and retired as their chief in 1997. After retirement, his passion became opening the PRISM Fire Training Center and then later his own business, Arctic Safety Training.
Preceding Dave in death were his middle son, Troi Burnett, father, Bill Burnett, brother Bill Burnett and sister Renee Kensinger, and sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Jeff Church as well as granddaughter Sidney Nicole Burnett; former in-laws, Vivian and Tru McGrady and, of course, his idol, Elvis Presley.
Survivors include Dave's wife Shannon; sons, Travis and wife Pepper Burnett; Trent and wife Michelle Burnett, daughter Sarah Self as well as their mom and Dave's first wife, Pam Burnett-Swan; step-children Melissa Zuke, Sean Booher and Chris Booher; mother and step-father Mary and John Priest, step-mother Jill Burnett; grandchildren Paytience, Taylor and Zachary Burnett and Troi West; sisters Victoria Scully, Dawny Kipps and Valerie Wilson and her husband Bob. Many nieces, nephews and cousins are heart-broken as well. Just remember, "Who loves ya, Baby?"
A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Kenai Senior Center. The remembrance will begin at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Dave's memory be made to the Kenai Firefighter's Association (105 South Willow Street, Kenai, AK 99611).