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DANIEL BURNS Obituary

Daniel Jack Burns Sept. 30, 1921 - Sept. 11, 2010 Daniel Jack Burns, 88, of Sumner, WA, died September 11, 2010 after a short illness. Jack was born September 30, 1921, in Toledo, WA, but was raised in the Sumner, WA area, graduating from Sumner High School. After returning from military duty in Europe, Jack graduated from Pacific Lutheran College and earned his BA in education and principal's papers. Jack began his teaching career as a boxing coach and teacher in Stanwood. Later, he and his family moved to Sumner, where he became, first, a teacher, and later the principal, at Maple Lawn Elementary School. He remained at Maple Lawn for 37 years and retired from there. He was always pleased when a former student came up and introduced himself/ herself. He had a remarkable memory and could often call up a personal anecdote about that person's time at Maple Lawn. Jack lived for 65+ years in the Sumner area. Jack was always involved in the Sumner community. As a young father, he joined Active Club and served for many years. Later, he became a 32nd degree Mason, and after retirement he was active in Rotary and the VFW. He especially loved to work the pie booth during Sumner Days, as he enjoyed talking to many students and friends as they bought pies. Jack is survived by his children, Karen Minerich (Sumner), Michael R. Burns (Debbie) of Picayune, MS, and David K. Burns (Natalia) of Everett. He was grandfather to Katy Hope-Craft (Auburn), Carrie Huss (Puyallup), Daniel B. Burns (New York), Heather Armstrong (Moses Lake), Michele Rafferty (Seattle), Anastasia Soloveva and Katrina Burns (Everett). He had 5 great-grandchildren. The memorial service will be held on September 18, 2010, 2:00 p.m., at Maple Lawn Elementary School, 230 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA, followed by a reception for family and friends at the Puyallup Valley VFW Post # 2224, 120 2nd St. NE, Puyallup, WA 98372. Donations may be made to the Rotary Scholarship Fund, VFW, or charity of your choice.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Sep. 15 to Sep. 17, 2010.

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David Krebs

September 18, 2010

I was a student at Maple Lawn in the 1960s and was shaped by my years there.
Even now I cannot call our former principal Jack as he will forever be Mr. Burns to me. Being far from the perfect student, I did experience the business end of Mr. Burns' paddle but only when I deserved it. He was a very fair and good man. I had the opportunity to talk with him at the pie booth at the Sumner Summer Festival a few years ago enjoyed talking with him. I cannot imagine how many lives he has impacted in a very positive way. Thank you, Mr. Burns and godspeed.

Shannon Genoway-English

September 17, 2010

Sorry to hear of your loss. I so remember Mr. Burns when I was a little girl at Maple Lawn in 1970. I remember him wearing his black trench coat and watching me and my friends dig holes in the mole holes at the playground at recess. He was so nice to me and I really liked him. I later saw him when I grew up and he actually recognized me! He's an awesome memory. RIP.

Sandy (Lauridsen) Meckel

September 17, 2010

Mr. Burns is someone you never forget. He was the kind of principal that you compare every other principal to and they fall short. My memories are of a man that was firm yet gentle. He did not tolerate disrespect and was consistent with discipline (you didn't want to be sent to the principal's office) but was always loving and kind. You could find him at recess time out on the playfield with his jacket off playing 4-square or tetherball, etc. And what a smile! My thoughts and prayers are with the the Burns family. Being a principal at Maple Lawn was more than a job for Mr. Burs. Thank you, Burns Family, for sharing your dad with so many of us.

Patty Villeneuve

September 17, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss! He was the most awesome principal I ever had! He was a wonderful man!

Sherrie Green

September 16, 2010

Mr. Burns was a great principal at Maple Lawn Elementary. I always remember him as a soft spoken man; who cared about the students and lead with a gentle spirit. He is the example that all educators should lead by. My condolences go out to the family.

Lennie Gedsell

September 16, 2010

My sympathies to Mr. Burns' family. He will be missed.

Cari Burk

September 16, 2010

I have so many fond memories of Mr. Burns, I was a student at Maple Lawn Elementary School in the 60's, my strongest memories of that time in my life are of the gentle man who truly liked and interacted with the children who attended there. I am so thrilled he had a long and wonderful life. You will be missed by many!

Lloyd (Tom) Tomlin

September 16, 2010

Jack was a Great person, who I had 7 fine years with in the early sixties as a student of Maple Lawn, We had quite a few laughs, much later on as more than 30 years passed. Sumner and all of it's residents are much appreciated of Jacks devotion as an Educator and friend of all who share his high values.
Thank you Jack, and bless your family. Lloyd (Tom) Tomlin

Debbie Malnar Phibbs

September 15, 2010

My sympathies on your loss. I was a student at Maple Lawn elementary in the early 70's and remember Mr. Burns very well. He looks just the same as I remember him. He was a wonderful principal and always present at every event I can remember. He made a difference which is such a wonderful legacy.

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