David Harold Burney

David Harold Burney went to his forever home January 28th, 2013 at the age of seventy-six and what a memory filled life he had! Born on November 25th, 1936 to proud parents Harold and Ann. He, being the oldest, was soon followed by Phillip and Ann. He was married for fifty-five years to his sweetheart Elaine, had three lively boys, David, Kevin and Brian, two daughters-in-love Lynnet and Cheryl and a small bushel of adoring grandchildren, Rachel, Job, Nathan, Kimberly, Andrew and Rebekah. Of course there are many more branches to his family tree, on which he kept meticulous records of, expanding it to an umbrella-like covering of many. He loved people and wanted all those even loosely associated to him to be a part of his big family. There are so many special facets to Dave that seems it would take a year to contemplate them all. So, on that theme, we will reminisce about him season by season. Starting with summer, you would be sure to catch Dave watching every Detroit Tigers game sitting in his classic and comfy recliner, remote at the ready. Another summer favorite was dragging out his reliable folding camping chair to observe those classic cars at the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. Maybe Woodward was extra special to him because he met the love of his life, Elaine, at the old Totem Pole Drive Inn that attracted many a Cruiser back in the day. Fall, the classic back-to-school month, reminds us of the teacher in Dave as he and his wife Elaine co-taught the GEMS Class, a Special Needs Sunday School at Auburn Hills Christian Center where they are long-time members. Dave loved food, and in his younger days might have been titled the Buffet King! One of the first things on his plate was sure to be shrimp if available. He also had the curious habit of cutting portions of food in half. If you were to spot a half slice of pizza, you were sure it was Dave that had that other half! In Winter Dave was involved in the many "lounging sports" that was available to him in the comfort of his home. One of those was "Intense Television Viewing" where, using his trusty cable remote, he would relish a good movie or a grueling wrestling match, a personal favorite. Another was "Computer Games Marathon" where he'd keep busy planning the rise and fall of nations or just relaxing with a quick game of miniature golf. There was many a night his poor wife tried to drag him to bed! Spring brought Dave back out into the sunshine to tend to his lovely flower and vegetable gardens. He truly had a green thumb having saved many a plant that others had thought were beyond hope. His secret technique was actually loving attention, literally talking them back to good health. His vegetable specialties were snap peas and lettuce and were appreciated by many! Dave was brought up working with wood as his grandfather was a carpenter, so the fresh weather lead Dave to woodworking that was in his blood. He would actually dream of designs for projects he was working on. Oh, and Liquid Nails was one of his best friends! As you can see, Dave led a full, beautiful and loving life and was certainly a "man for all seasons". He will be sorely and dearly missed. Memorial visitation Saturday 12 noon until the time of the memorial service 4 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2225 E 14 Mile Road, Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Auburn Hills Christian Center - GEMS Class, 2592 E Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 are appreciated. Tears A shadow of grief lingers close, too close It's darkened fingers choke my emotions, my heart my soul You have left me And I cry tears My head swirling with confetti images of you Pretty candy colored paintings of happy moments to come no more And I cry blue tears My faith, my hope, my joy these three we shared, my comfort now On the other side is Home The Ethereal Eternity where we will meet again together forever And I cry beautiful blue tears Cheryl C. Burney 2013

David Harold Burney

November 25, 1936 - January 28, 2013