Richard L. "Rick" Burns

Richard L. "Rick" Burns, age 52, of Glendive, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at his home in rural Glendive. A life tribute service will be held at 10:00 A.M. (MST), Thursday, March 10, 2005 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive, with Celebrant Sandy Silha officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. (CST), Friday, March 11, 2005 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mandan, North Dakota with Father Charles Heidt officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors will be at 1:00 P.M. (CST) Friday, March 11, 2005 in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements. Rick was born on October 6, 1952 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of Richard Joseph and Leota Marie (Jochim) Burns. He graduated from Mandan High School with the class of 1970. Rick attended Bismarck State College. He entered the U.S. Army in January of 1972 and served until his honorable discharge in December of 1973. Following his military service, he continued his education at Bismarck State College and the University of Mary where he received his undergraduate degree. Rick and Judy Otto were united in marriage on July 20, 1973 in Mandan, North Dakota. He graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks in 1982. Rick worked for legal aid in Devil's Lake, North Dakota before moving to Glendive in 1985 where he went to work for the Gerald Navratil Law Office. Rick started his own law practice in October of 1987 and he became the Glendive City Attorney in January of 1990. Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was a member of the American Legion in Mandan. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard J. and his brother, Rory. Survivors include his wife, Judy of Glendive; his daughter, Kristyne of Mandan, North Dakota; his mother, Leota Burns of Mandan; two brothers, Ronald Burns and his wife Judy and Robert Burns and his wife Cheryl, all of Mandan; three sisters, Linda Ohm and Sheryl Massey and her husband Michael, all of Mandan and Rebecca Burns of Bismarck, North Dakota; one soon to be born grandson. Eulogy by Celebrant Sandy Silha: He had an independent spirit; he was tough; he was sharing and generous; he was a respected attorney who could get through things and go right to the problem; he always had time to listen and talk; he had a tremendous sense of humor and was a bit mischievous; he was a sportsman and outdoorsman; he was a hard working, hands-on, do it yourself guy. Richard L. “Rick” Burns will be missed. Rick was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Richard and Leota Burns. He was the middle child of seven, three brothers and three sisters. Leota remembers Rick as a quiet child who never gave them much trouble. However, he did have a couple of habits that left his mother’s head shaking in wonder. He would chew cigarettes. Leota had to pick up any loose cigarettes or Rick would chew them, and end up spitting and gagging. She would clean his mouth out and he would be right back at it. Rick also would drink any coffee left in cups setting around. Cream and sugar or straight, it didn’t seem to matter. Rick must have gotten his fill of cigarettes and coffee because when he was older he neither smoked nor drank coffee. Rick was raised and attended school in Mandan, North Dakota. It was when Rick was a senior that he noticed the girl who would become his wife, friend and life partner. Judy Otto was a freshman at Mandan High. Rick would skip his study hall and go to the library to “spy on” Judy. At least until he got kicked out and sent back to study hall. This happened on a regular basis. Judy’s father was not happy about Rick’s attentions to his daughter, but try as he might, he could not discourage Rick. Finally, Judy’s father just had Rick over and they had a “garage talk.” Rick had great respect for his father-in-law. After his high school graduation, Rick attended Bismarck State College. But because his draft number was 5, Rick could see his future in the service. Rick enlisted in the army in January of 1972. He was sent to Germany with a missile unit. In 1973 there was an engagement, a pregnancy, a leave time wedding on July 20, and the birth of a daughter, Kris. 1973 was a big year for Rick and Judy. Rick returned to Germany after the wedding, and Judy waited in Mandan for his enlistment to end. Rick was honorably discharged in December of 1973. Returning to Mandan, Rick worked as a brickmason’s helper and was due to get on with railroad. But when he found out that the railroad wouldn’t let him work and go to school, he didn’t take the job. He went to school instead. He continued his education at Bismarck State College and the University of Mary. Rick went on to law school at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1982. Those years after the service, with Rick and Judy raising a daughter, working, and Rick getting a law degree, were lean, tough years. Their families were good about helping. But it had always been Rick’s wish that it be he who would take care of them. Eventually, he was able to help do just that, both personally and professionally. Rick’s sister, Sheryl relates what an influence her brother was to her at that time. After Rick went into the service, Sheryl took all the steps necessary to follow in his footsteps and enlist, except for signing on the dotted line. As proud as Rick was of serving his country, he strongly discouraged Sheryl from joining the service. Rick didn’t feel the service was the place for women, and certainly not his baby sister! Sheryl did not enlist. And as Sheryl watched her brother sacrifice to achieve his law degree, she felt inspired by him, and felt she too could accomplish anything by working hard. Rick’s example was quite a presence in Sheryl’s life. In fact, the whole family was very proud of Rick. Brother Ron calls the family “blue collar” and the pride they felt in Rick going to school and getting his law degree was immense. After law school, Rick, Judy and Kris spent some time in Devil’s Lake, ND. In 1985, they moved to Glendive. Rick eventually opened his own law practice, with Judy working in his office at his side. In 1990, Rick became the Glendive city attorney. During these years, Rick and Judy purchased a few acres on Deer Creek, out on the Bloomfield highway. And as was Rick’s way, they built their home there, pretty much by themselves, with the help and advice of a few friends. Rick made it a work- in-progress, digging his own sewer, doing the construction and the rock work. And let’s not forget Judy’s least favorite part…”C’mon Judy, let’s hang some more sheet rock.” Along with all this were the birds that Rick loved to raise; chickens, geese, peacocks, pheasants, and partridge. Add his animals, cows, horses, dogs and it made for an interesting mix. Rick’s next thought was to try elk. Judy was not excited about that idea. If you looked at the pictures the family put on the memory boards, you probably noticed animals with Rick in many of the pictures; his favorite horse, his dog. Rick loved animals, birds and the outdoors. One of his passions was hunting, especially pheasant hunting. Sometimes, Judy would go. Many times Rick would go with friends. Judy would even get him out fishing once in a while. To go along with this, of course, was camping and horseback riding. Anything outdoors, and Rick was ready to go. When Rick and Judy moved out to the place on Deer Creek, a neighbor and friend, Clay Newton, tells that Rick sort of adopted all the kids out that way. He was like a godfather to them, remembering birthdays, graduation and special occasions. This was a big deal to Rick. When these kids would get into trouble, especially a scrape with the law, kids and parents knew they could count on Rick for help and advise. And not just for the legal part, but as a friend and neighbor. Rick just loved kids. All the nieces and nephews can remember him roughhousing with them and his special trick of hanging them upside down by their ankles. And with a couple of the nephews, he really was their godfather. They loved getting gifts from Rick because he always signed the card from the “Godfather. But he could be tough too, just ask daughter Kris. She thought his way of teaching life’s lessons was very tough. Somehow, as Kris matured, she began to appreciate what her father was trying to show her about life. One of the big holes in Kris’ heart today is that Rick will not get to meet his grandson, who is due to arrive soon. Rick was so excited about being a grandfather. He even bought a car to fix up for his grandson-to-be. Rick had driven by it several times in Sidney and finally bought it and brought it home to work on. Mind you, it didn’t have an engine or a radio, but hey, it’s a Mercedes Benz. Knowing the way Rick did things, that car would have made one fine ride when finished. This independent, tough, generous, hardworking, sportsman, and professional; this husband, father, grandfather-to-be, son, brother, friend, neighbor; this man, Rick Burns, was important in many lives. He will be missed. Rick’s sister-in-law, Judy, uses the words of Shakespeare to sum Rick up. “If we could cut him out in little stars, he will make the face of heaven so fine. That all the world will be in love with the night.” Song: Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin Celebrant: Sharing by family and friends The family would like to take time now to hear from those who may want to share a thought or memory of Rick. As mentioned, we ask that you come to the podium and use the microphone so that all may hear. Gary Jackson, a friend of Rick’s will begin. When Gary finishes, please feel free to come forward. Celebrant I would like to thank those of you who came forward. There is no finer tribute to Rick than the friends that are here today. It is through remembering Rick that he will never be gone from us. In a moment, Judy and Kris will come forward to light a candle to honor the memory of Rick as a husband, father and grandfather-to-be. The light of the flame is very symbolic. The eternal flame stands for remembrance of those who have gone before; the light of the candle has come to represent rebirth and renewal. Judy and Kris will also place two yellow flowers with the candle, yellow for spring and the hope of healing, flowers because, well, Rick liked flowers. As we listen to Willie Nelson’s song “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and as Judy and Kris light the candle and place the flowers, let us all take this time to remember Rick.Rick’s death this past Sunday was sudden and unexpected. Much has been left unfinished; much has been left unsaid. The grief for Rick felt by Judy, Kris, Rick’s mother, Leota and the rest of the family is great. In 2002, the family lost Rick’s father, Richard, who Rick was very close to. In January of this year, Rick’s younger brother, Rory, was killed in an automobile accident. And now the family must deal with the loss of Rick. We cannot take their grief from them, but we can offer comfort and friendship. We should not assume they want to mourn alone. In the coming weeks and months, when something reminds you of Rick, share it with them. Call, send a note, stop in; let them know you remember Rick. Remember the firsts – the first holidays, the first birthdays, the first anniversary, the first grandchild born; for at these times Rick’s absence will be felt with a fresh sense of loss. Be present during these times to comfort and support Judy, Kris and the other family members. The memories and stories of Rick’s life will keep his presence alive long into future generations.

Richard L. "Rick" Burns

October 6, 1952 - March 10, 2005

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Richard L. "Rick" Burns

October 6, 1952 - March 10, 2005

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support