1936 ~ 2017
Kim Burningham, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 7, 2017, with family by his side. Kim was born in Salt Lake City on September 14, 1936 to Margie and Rulon Burningham, and was the fourth of five amazing children, brothers Gary, Dee, Rodney, and younger sister Jean.
Kim's life was full and complete with his focus on family, friends, education, public service, and gardening! He learned and grew in the Bountiful, Utah area with the guidance of those family and friends, as well as teachers and gospel principles.
"To me, life has been idyllic: raised by caring parents in a small community, educated in neighborhood schools, preparing for then teaching in those same schools, discovering new love, marrying a remarkable soul mate, watching our two sons grow to amazing men, welcoming their wives and their children, pursuing a career in public service, and celebrating in the flowers of old age with that same soul mate walking shoulder to shoulder!"-- Kim
Kim served an LDS mission in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in the late 1950s, observing history in the making. He graduated from Davis High School, received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, and Master's degrees from the University of Arizona and the University of Southern California.
In 1968, Kim married his partner and wonderful wife, Susan Ball Clarke and they had two children: Christian and Tyler. Raising these boys was a delight and sometime a challenge, but through the years, their friendship and affection with the boys grew deep.
Kim spent 27 passionate years teaching speech, debate, theatre, and English and traveling to debate tournaments on the weekends. "Vot dat and chew!"
Kim also spent years in church service in the bishopric, high council, and the MIA (Mutual Improvement Association) General Board.
During and following his teaching career, he served for 15 years as a member of the Utah State Legislature and subsequently as a member of the Utah State Board of Education (seven years as chair of the Board). During his years in public service, he championed public education funding and support, open and ethical government and was a co-founder of Utahns for Ethical Government.
Kim is survived by his wife Susan, sons Chris (Susi) and Tyler (Ann), brother Dee (Barbara), and sister Jean (Roger), and eight grandchildren. We know he is now tending his flowers and garden in heaven.
Viewings will be held on Tuesday, July 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah and Wednesday, July 12th from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Bountiful Canyon Park Ward Chapel, 1190 East Bountiful Hills Drive, Bountiful, Utah. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12th at 11 a.m. also at the Bountiful Canyon Park Ward Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jul. 9 to Jul. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Kim Burningham

Sponsored by Russon Brothers Mortuary - Bountiful.

32 Entries

Scott Squire

July 3, 2019

Kim Burningham, one of the noble and great ones. He taught me how to teach. He showed me how to love . . . everyone. I will never forget him.

John E Whiting

October 9, 2018

I am just now learning of Kim Burningham's passing. What a grand man of theatre and speech. I took over his program when he retired in 1988-89 school year. What a pure delight it was to follow such a man of high quality and skill. His legacy at Bountiful HS and the Utah Speech Arts family will never be forgotten.

John E Whiting
Retired Teacher
Theatre, English, Speech

July 14, 2017

Dear Susan,

Sorry I was not able to come to the funeral but my prayers are with you. I deeply appreciated the influence for good that Kim had on my life. As my teacher he helped me to have confidence and to have faith in myself. Thank you Kim and I love you Susan. Love Toni

Karen Monsen

July 13, 2017

Kim was a leader and a role model for many of us. He was patient and kind and worked to make the world a better place. I worked with him at Shipley Associates and later with the Utahns for Ethical Government.

Michael Vaughan

July 12, 2017

Dear Susan,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I always appreciated what he did for education in the State of Utah.

Flora Johnson

July 12, 2017

Mr. Burningham was a great teacher. It has been 36 years since I sat in his speech class. He instilled confidence in a shy girl. I found my voice in his class. I have used what I learned from him throughout my life. He was a great teacher. I offer my condolences to his family. Flora (Ford)Johnson

Frank Mohlman

July 11, 2017

Kim was my debate teacher and show director in high school. Every time I saw him after I graduated he was always kind and considerate. He was one of the best teachers I have ever had. May God bless his family at this time of grief.

Mark Mickelsen

July 11, 2017

Kim was a great statesman, educator, and advocate for children. I learned so much from his example. My heart goes out to his family.

Scott Squire

July 11, 2017

Kim was a wonderful man, years ago blessing me with the greatest teacher-development course ever! I will miss his zest for life and love of all people.

Jennifer Kohler Hatch

July 11, 2017

I was privileged to have Mr. Burningham for a speech class at Bountiful High in 1988. The first day, as usual for most classes, we went around the room introducing ourselves. There were probably about 25 students. He then greeted each of us by full name with a handshake, for he had memorized all of our names in that short interval. From day one he showed us that we mattered as individuals.

Mr. Burningham taught that when we have a task with a later deadline, be it a speech to memorize or a problem to solve, we should start on it right away, even if we only have a few minutes to devote to it initially. This will open our brain to work on it subconsciously as we go about other activities. I have remembered this principle.

A line from something we had to memorize in speech class stays with me: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Emerson said it, but Mr. Burningham lived it. I give my condolences to his family.

John and Sue Baylis

July 11, 2017

Susan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your family's example to all of us is a wonderful picture. We know there is great love there. We will all miss Kim's presence here, but know as you do, that we will all be together again.

John and Sue Baylis

July 11, 2017

"No bubble floats so high, is so iridescent, or lasts longer than that blown by the successful teacher." Sir William Osler I heard Kim quote this many times. As I ponder it now it seems to describe his life, which encompassed much more than teaching, very well. He was successful in all his endeavors.

It was my honor to serve 7 years as Kim's Vice Chair on the Utah State Board of Education. He was a generous leader giving me the opportunity to chair every other meeting. After doing that a few times I discovered it wasn't as easy as it looked! But I learned and am so very grateful to have had that chance. Thank you, Kim.

With the loss of Kim, public education is left without one of its greatest champions. It is a profound loss but pales in the face of what Susan now faces. I extend my deep sympathy and would like to say how much I admired the great companionship you and Kim exemplified for the rest of us.

Janet A Cannon

Larsen Boyer

July 11, 2017

Wonderful uplifting memories of the East Central States Mission office in Louisville, late 1957, with one happy, enthusiastic missionary! "Let Us All Press On." Thanks, Elder Burningham

Karen Pincock

July 11, 2017

Kim taught two of our children at Bountiful High. It was a life-changing experience for both of them. For years after they graduated, whenever I saw Kim at the post office or at the grocery store or on a street corner, he always called me by name and asked about those two children, recalling them by name -- years later! How did he do that? He will be missed by many. I am so grateful for the influence he had on my children and me.

Clark "Boog" Stringfellow

July 11, 2017

Rest In Peace Mr. "B". When I attended Bountiful HS my mom made me take your speech class. I was very reluctant and hesitant but in the end I am so glad I did. To this day I'll forever remember how you brought out the very best in your students with high expectations and always with a pat on the back! I am a better teacher, coach, husband, father, and a better man because of you! God Bless and God be with you till we meet again!

Lily Eskelsen Garcia

July 10, 2017

I will always remember Kim as someone who saw children as something beyond politics. There was what was right for children and that was it. His influence will live on. He was a fighter for education, educators and the students we love. Our hearts are with the Burningham family at this sad time, but we know that you all know how lucky you were to have him in your family. All Utah benefited from his advocacy for its students.

Lily Eskelsen Garcia
President, National Education Association

July 10, 2017

Kim Burningham is the kind of teacher every high school wishes they could have. It was a privilege to be in Mr. B's classes at Bountiful. He taught you more than the rules and logic of debate. He taught you what it meant to be an active citizen and participate in your community. Never a question of honesty, he was loyal to education and his standards. He believed in public education and its purpose, its value to our community and state. (Note with interest the reference to Myrintha Gill. She, and Kim, great influence in my life.)Kim was a personal friend to our family and always respected. We will miss his integrity. He was a great example to all.

Vicki Kynaston- Francine Fenn

July 10, 2017

Dear Susan and Family,
We are so heart broken over Kim's passing and the position in which this leaves you. You two were such a "couple" that it is hard to see you left alone in this earthly state. You are in our prayers and may the Lord bless you with comfort and peace. We love you.

July 10, 2017

I can only add what was said elsewhere: Kim Burningham is the kind of teacher every high school wishes they could have. It was a privilege to be in Mr. B's classes at Bountiful. He taught you more than the rules and logic of debate. He taught you what it meant to be an active citizen and participate in your community. Never a question of honesty, he was loyal to education and his standards. He believed in public education and its purpose, its value to our community and state. He was a personal friend to our family and always respected. We will miss his integrity. He was a great example to all. Also saw a reference to Myrintha Gill: a pillar of strength that helped me more than I can ever say. Davis County Schools should name the next high school in his honor!

Robyn Davidson Shackelford

July 10, 2017

Kim Burningham was my North Star. My gratitude is immense.

Jerold Ottley

July 10, 2017

Although we taught together for only two years at Bountiful High School, they were halcyon years of school and community cooperation. What I learned from Kim as we produced two musicals, "Flower Drum Song" and "Music Man," I carried with great benefit into my later career. I share your loss at his passing,but I celebrate with you a noble life, well spent.
Gratefully,
Jerold Ottley

July 10, 2017

I will be out of town for the viewing and funeral. I knew Mr. Burningham as a teacher at BHS and knew Kim as a friend and a mentor. RIP Brother.

John Marc Knight
BHS 78
Bountiful City Councilman

Jan Stubbs

July 10, 2017

What a great man. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher my senior year when I moved to Bountiful High my senior year. He was a wonderful teacher, leader and mentor. I am grateful to had had the chance to be around him.

July 10, 2017

My sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort strengthen you all during this difficult time. Rom 15:4

JD

Isabell Oleson Stringham

July 10, 2017

Susan, I along with so many others have such fond memories of Kim and you. He had a great impact on my life both at school and in the church. He was able to see and bring out in me a talent and confidence that I could never have done without him and Myrintha Gill. In our stake he directed several productions that I was in. It is impossible for me to quantify the impact he had on me because it was so pervasive.

Being in the melodrama with you and Shand was also a powerful event in my life. What great memories! Shand called from Pennsylvania and specifically asked me to convey to you his feelings and appreciation for you and Kim.

Laura Passey

July 9, 2017

What a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, brother, friend with so many. My life is better because he was in it. Thank you Mr. B for all you have given. Rest now - job well done. May peace be with you all.

Dan Robins

July 9, 2017

Kim was my debate coach in 1969-70 school year. My debate partner, Corey Rasmussen and I learned much and flourished under his passionate direction. That experience helped structure much of my academic and career success. Dan (Danny) Robins. Granada Hills, California.

Rulon Cushing

July 9, 2017

He was an all round GREAT PERSON!

Joyce Russell

July 9, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss! My maiden name is Burningham and I grew up in Bountiful until I was eleven. I know we are related because Bountiful is full of Burningham's.

Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh

July 9, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Susan and family. Kim was a stalwart supporter of public education. I was blessed to know him and to learn from him. What a wonderful human being and truly a gifted teacher. He will be missed.

Heidi Van Ert

July 8, 2017

It was an honor to be in Mr. Burningham's presence. May his family be blessed with strength and healing.

July 8, 2017

A man of great courage, integrity and wisdom. A teacher - in the deepest and truest sense of the word. Thank you for all you brought to students at Bountiful High, and for the profound ways you stood up for educators throughout Utah. Mr.Burningham - you lived a powerful life of purpose and service.
with heartfelt gratitude for your presence on this planet,
Heidi Van Ert

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