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Neal Burns Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Neal Burns
Khaled Jaber
March 6, 2021
Dear Neal, I wish I had the opportunity to tell you how much your friendship and mentoring meant to me. Your sage advice has been an immense help in my life, and your witty commentary in our talks are going to be cherished forever. You are missed my friend.
Kaisa Still
March 6, 2021
I’ve been very fortunate to work with Martha, and therefore I got to spend some moments with Neal (actually in three continents!). Of course, it was the stories that he told—the wonderful stories from his childhood in Chicago and from his advertising days. But it was more—it was also about his curiosity, his fascination and interest in all things human (and technology). The feeling that for a moment, you were in his circle, in his life and that you were part of his story—and your life just got elevated for that moment. And what’s more, his circle, his life and his story was never only about him but about Martha, too. I loved seeing that, experiencing that and sharing that with my kids and family.
Carol Sidley
April 10, 2020
Neal - I met you as a friend and ALWAYS thoroughly enjoyed you and your friendship! Even though our time together was limited, I always believed you to be a delightful, loving and incredible good friend. Thank you for your time with me and with Norm. You will be in our hearts forever! Love to you and to Martha!!!
Kristen Earnhart Wilkerson
April 3, 2020
Dear Neal,
You were on my mind today, as you have been now and then ever since I graduated from the PhD program in 2003, but when I put your name in Google to see what latest adventure you were up to and saw the word Obituary, my heart broke. I guess I thought you would live forever.
You were my first professor at UT and you meant so much to me. I remember the first day of account planning when we all thought you were bizarre because you started the class off by making us read deTocqueville. It took me a few weeks to realize how brilliant that move really was. It was also quintessential Dr. Burns. You also introduced me to Kirby Lane Cafe and Texadelphia, taught all of my favorite classes and helped me through my dissertation, graciously serving on both of my committees and offering your endless wisdom whenever I asked.
Perhaps my favorite memory was when you emailed me to let me know that a paper I'd turned in was, in your words, the best paper I've ever read. You also told me to take a break and go bask in the sunshine, and that's exactly what I did. I never told you this, but your message meant so much to me that my mom actually printed it out and framed it and I put it on my bedroom wall. The gold frame is now in my attic, but tomorrow I'll revisit it and think of you and your absolute brilliance. Thank you for everything.
Kristen Earnhart Wilkerson
Suzanne Corbo (Kalar)
March 26, 2020
As he did for many, Dr. Burns opened my mind to different ways of thinking and approaching life - both professionally and personally. Every interaction left me with either an interesting story or something to ponder later. I'll never forget my first course with him - it featured readings from ancient philosophers and readings from the NYT - where Dr. Burns would open up the morning paper and start an often-fascinating discussion. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he influenced.
NYC Grad Trip with Dr. Burns
Amanda Latifi
March 15, 2020
Dr. Burns is that one name I have when someone says, "Name a teacher that changed your life".
Dr. Burns introduced me to account planning, changing the course of my career, and subsequently my life.
I regret not fully expressing this all to him when I had the chance.
He was a character, but one that cared. He'd wave if we spotted him out driving - top down, poodle in passenger seat. He took my dad out when he visited me in Austin...I never found out where they went. He was always willing to schedule time to help coach me through real job prep.
He'd still check-in occasionally, or randomly follow me on a social media platform...Linkedin, Quora, etc. - it's how I knew he was ok.
He spoke highly and with great pride of his family, and I hope this post makes them aware how much he guided so many others. He taught us with ridiculous tasks, colorful humor and friendship.
Thank you for everything Neal. 2/29 is only fitting.
Dave Toole
March 12, 2020
Neal was such an inspirational voice to those around him. He always had a current perspective on what was driving behaviors of those that consumed messages with impact. But it went so much further in so many ways. The time we spent together was always such a great experience. Meeting his family was a special treat. Martha, thanks so much for introducing us as we explored story telling together and what that means to life. We will miss him.
Best, Dave
Samantha Krukowski
March 12, 2020
Oh Neal. All those amazing conversations and dinners; so much professional support over the years. Such a spirit and a sprite, always mischievous and brilliant and curious and energetic. Love to his family...
Eliza Yvette Esquivel
March 12, 2020
Neal's pace in his first semesters as a UT professor were intense. Building a syllabus from scratch for a discipline that was new to the College of Communication was a labor of love. And people who break new ground need sustenance. There were many trips to Texadelphia to fetch Neal their signature Texas Cheese Steak sandwich. But it's only now I realize the connection between those lunch requests and the stories about his female relatives burying spoons in the backyard in Chicago where he grew up. Neal had some making up to do in the mixing of meat and cheese. And he was the kind of person who didnt mess around when it came to evening the score. Neal and I used to laugh a fair amount for two people in an academic setting. He loved to tell stories and make the work fun. I'm not sure if that was a carry-over from his days at Carmichael Lynch or just Neal. I personally always liked to call him Dr. Burns - his academic and professional achievements impressed me. He on the other hand joked that I was the Mexican female version of Woody Allen! I am hyper-vigilant by nature, but as Neal's TA I just wanted to see him succeed at the university and let's face it: academia is all about dotting every i.
The advertising graduate program admitted me on my interest in writing cultural theory about advertising, the way critics write about film, but once I met Neal and learned about planning I was gratefully diverted. I was among the first graduates of the MA account planning sequence he created. And I went on to make great use of my degree. Over the years Neal stayed in touch. He sent me select students who were trying to make their way in New York and I would do my best to help them. Neal taught me, by his own example, to be generous with the aspirations of others and to lift them up. He'd done that for me in spades: introducing me to planning, introducing me to the woman who would give me my first internship, tapping into his professional network so I could get the advertising examples I needed for my thesis, giving me his entire graduate class years later to kick off my research on young adults and social activism, securing a speaking opportunity once the research was completed, and just meeting up with me to say hi when he was in New York, and again when I was in SF.
The most recent time Neal and I met up in SF he took me to a café where we ended up window-watching Santa Con unfold. A surreal sight indeed. Life is a trip, and we had known each other long enough to sit back and enjoy that truth together. Neal said many profound things to me over the years, but it was his actions, his real presence and caring in my life and the life of others that endures. Having said that, there is one thing he said that I'll never forget: deprivation is motivating. The phrase come up when he was explaining the connection between military research on soldiers and persuasion theory. But over the years, the idea has come to mean more than that. Neal understood human beings are emotional, sensitive creatures whose conditions can have a profound effect on them. And he chose a side in that equation, one that always made people on the other end feel the opposite of deprivation.
Arash Hajikhani
March 9, 2020
Dear Martha,
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you.
I especially remember Neal's gentle spirit and loving nature on the one occasion I had an opportunity to meet him.
Words are never adequate in moments like these. I will say though, that my hearts go out to you. May his memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
My condolences,
Arash
Joan Bilinkoff Corbett
March 9, 2020
Neal was my therapist when I was a young and very inexperienced social work student at the University of Minnesota. He not only taught me how to be a good client but showed me what it was like to be in the presence of an excellent therapist. Thirty five years later, I have trained many social work students and have passed along his humor, kindness, empathy and wisdom. May his memory be for a blessing.
Byron and Roxanne Reeves
March 8, 2020
All our love to you, Martha, and to your family.
Hilary Fox
March 8, 2020
My biggest mentor, confidant and friend, Dr. Neal Burns passed away a couple of days ago. Neal was instrumental and perhaps the major reason I ended up finishing grad school. He was the first person I thanked in my masters thesis on my acknowledgment page. He pushed me so hard, failure wasnt an option. I took about 8 classes or so of his during grad school at Texas....as many as he taught, I took. He and I were more than a teacher student relationship, we were friends. We would meet for dinner and have the most intellectual conversations and I would seek his advice on all things career related and he was always right. Every tip and trick he told me I figured out how to bring to life in my own way and it always worked out somehow. He would tell me of his days of driving a cab in old Chicago. His days of doing the first ad campaign for Harley Davidson and all his time at Carmichael Lynch. He spoke so highly of his beautiful and intelligent wife Martha and of his incredibly smart children, one also instrumental in the ad and Hollywood scene and another a great lawyer. He was up to his eyes in research projects of varying kinds, HIV protection, financial solutions for the under banked, the list goes on. To top it off, he looked like my grandfather who had passed when I was younger so I even had this special connection of familia going on. To say he will be missed is understatement. I meant to call him last week to chat about something and forgot but it was on my mind to, I sure wish I had. I would check on him every few months since he moved to San Fran and see how he was feeling since he had had at a couple of surgeries in recent years. I loved that man. I will cherish our friendship and hold onto all the wise words you shared w me over the years. Thank you for believing in me and for being so important in my life. I hope to make you proud. I promise I will finally get to reading all of the books you gave me over the years too. ❤❤❤
Wendy Danks
March 8, 2020
Neal hired me as a receptionist in 1973 at his ad firm in St. Louis Park MN. He mentored me from answering phones to setting up a traffic dept, learning media and then promoted me to account executive. I'll always remember Neal fondly and am forever grateful for how he encouraged me and what he taught me. (I remember when he took me aside and said just make a decision, if it's wrong we'll fix it, one of the best pieces of advice I ever had.). He also sent me, at 24, on my own to Boston and upstate New York...scared to death but his faith in my abilities set the stage for my career in marketing and communications. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Neal.
Lisa Natsume
March 8, 2020
Dear Neal
Really sad to hear your departure. In my heart, youre still smiling and living.
I wont forget your taught and warmth forever. Unfortunately. I wont be able to attend your ceremony, but Im praying from Japan. Thank you very much for teaching many things, Neal.
With love
Pinar Yazicioglu Johnson
March 7, 2020
It was an honor to be your student. As an international student it was hard to be so far away from home but you gave me the confidence I needed. May your soul rest in heavenly light.
Diane Toole
March 7, 2020
Always a twinke in his eyes and a story to share. Neal greeted you with a smile and left you with one on your face. Whether sharing Passover or a night out, Neal's genuine interest in everything and everyone, plus his love of new experiences was a treasure to behold. Our heart goes out to Martha and your kids and grand children. Every life he touched is the better for it.
With Love,
~Diane Toole
Diane Toole
March 7, 2020
Always with a twinkle in his eye and a story to share, I will treasure the times we spent with Neal. He greeted you with a smile and left you with one on your face. He was warm and welcoming, curious and inspiring. Whether we were sharing Passover or a night out, we always enjoyed being with Neal. Our hearts are with Martha and your kids and grand children. I know all the lives he touched are better for the experience.
~Diane Toole
Veronica Kruchten
March 7, 2020
What a beautiful memorial written for a wonderful man. We are thinking of you all as you celebrate Neal, his life and his rich legacy.
Diane Moses
March 6, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
March 6, 2020
Martha
We're so very sad to hear the news.
Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Neal was a wonderful, warm, friendly man. Our 3rd floor lobby is not the same without his flowers. He will be missed.
Love Dean, Manjot & Ronan
Michael Lodato
March 6, 2020
We met in about 1965 (thats 55 years ago) when we both worked on the space program. He has been a cherished friend of Sylvia and me ever since. We made several business trips together and did some good things. Mostly we laughed a lot. Over the years we got to know each others families. He always had terrific friends mainly because he was such a good friend. About 30 years ago, Martha entered his and our lives and we all benefited from her good spirit and friendship.
Michael Lodato
Jef Richards
March 6, 2020
Its so hard to process the fact that Neal was 86, because he had such a youthful persona and view of the world. He had an intellectual curiosity that seemed like a young man just starting his career. When I think of Neal, I cant help but be reminded of his business card from NASA, giving him the title Master and Commander. That was SO Neal. We used to wander into one anothers offices just to chat about advertising or students or academic politics. He was a good and generous man, and though I havent seen him in a few years, I will tremendously miss the opportunity to see him again. He touched my life in a permanent way.
Maria Rivera
March 6, 2020
Oh, Neal. I was your student first (1997), and then your colleague 8 years later. I remember taking notes of the personal anecdotes with which you regaled us. Somehow, they seemed more important for the road ahead than advertising facts. Your insatiable curiosity, impish grin, intellectual rigor, entertaining stories, sharp sense of humor will live with me. You introduced us to the poet David Whyte, advertising greats, new thought paradigms. I even remember the day you walked into my office and asked if I had heard of this new thing called YoutTube. :-)
You were always one step ahead. And so were your shoes! You really lived.
And you still do.
Chrissie Lochmiller
March 6, 2020
Marc, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From our family to yours, we are truly so sorry for your loss, and clearly a huge loss to human kind, overall, of such a wonderful, talented, innovative man.
Danny Moss
March 6, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My sincerest condolences at this difficult time.
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