Obituary of Patrick Michael Burns

Patrick Michael Burns, Sr, earned his angel wings early Sunday morning on September 20th, 2020. He left this earth for the celestial heavens just 2 weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. Pat passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He lost his battle with lung cancer but he fought hard to stay as long as he possibly could on this earth so he could bask in the joy of visits with family, old friends, and with his always dear to him children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Pat was born on October 1st, 1937 to Theresa and Urban Burns. He treasured his childhood memories of playing and attending school in the First Hill neighborhood. He attended Cathedral School and is a 1951 graduate of St. Benedict’s. Pat is a proud 1955 graduate of O’Dea High School. He deeply cherishes the strong and never-ending friendship of his O’Dea brothers and the bond of that brotherhood. It is here that Pat committed himself to live a life of faith, character, and service.

Ever the devote Catholic and family patriarch, Pat leaves a legacy of “God and family first”. When Pat first met Arliss, he knew he met the love of his life. They married as young sweethearts in 1955. Pat remained a loving and devoted husband to Arliss throughout their 65 years of marriage. Arliss will always treasure the last love note Pat wrote her in the final weeks before his death. Pat was blessed with 5 children whom he loved deeply, truly, and without limits. The devoted family man guided their development to ensure they grew up to live as loving, caring, and giving adults. His children were blessed and ever so grateful for the wonderful and crazy childhood memories that Pat provided. Grandpa Pat loved his 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren fiercely and followed all their school and life events. They will reap the benefits of his unconditional love for the rest of their lifetime. In his final weeks of life, Pat was surprised by 3 of his granddaughters with the news of 3 soon-to-beborn great grandchildren.

Pat’s journey to be his best husband and father was not without its challenges, and at times, was messy and bumpy. In 1974, Pat re-dedicated himself to his family and gave up drinking alcohol for the remainder of his life. This selfless action enabled our family to grow closer and stronger. Pat went on to mentor others who struggled with alcoholism and served as a chairman on the community advisory board for U.W. Alcohol and Drug Research Institute and served with the DSHS committee for Drug Addictions.

Pat served the Catholic Church in many ways throughout his lifetime as a servant leader. He proudly served as President and Governor of the Serra Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 65 years. Pat served as a board member for O’Dea High School, Mt. St. Vincent Foundation, Providence Hospital, and Catholic Community Service to name just a few organizations blessed with his dedication to service.

Pat began his career as a banker at Pacific National Bank and retired from U.S. Bank as a Vice President. He was a graduate of the American Institute of Banking and Pacific Coast Banking School. Pat loved the colleagues he worked with and enjoyed his work in the banking industry.

Pat was an avid sports fan. Pat could always be found in the stands at as many final season playoff games as was humanly possible. His children grew up in the stadiums by Pat’s side cheering on his favorite teams; O’Dea, U.W., Seattle University, and the Mariner’s.  Our family still laughs about having to wrestle the TV remote from his hands as he clicked around the channels to catch all the weekend sports.

Pat has left us with an endless trail of friends across the state and around the country. Once you met Pat, you were his friend for life, and you knew how much he cared deeply about YOU. Our dad always had a story to tell - to all who would listen - or even if you didn’t want to listen, Pat would draw you in! Pat enjoyed traveling during his retirement years with Arliss and continued to make new friends on all his adventures. He was grateful for his years of wintering in Arizona, trips to visit the family homesteads in Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, and Quebec and to explore the world with visits to Europe, Australia, and Mexico. His visit to the Vatican was a dream come true for our Dad. Pat’s Irish blood ran deep in his heart. He was proud of his dual US and Irish citizenship and cherished his visits to Ireland to see his relatives.

Pat’s dedication to his Catholic faith was witnessed daily by many throughout his life. He will be buried with the rosary that he faithfully carried in his pocket every single day of his life. We must endure the loss of Pat in our lives so he may go home to the one he honored reverently every moment of his life, his Heavenly Father. Rest In Peace, Pat.

Pat leaves behind his loving wife, Arliss (Lessard), his children, Patrick Burns, Jr. (Chris), Brian Burns (Sue), Scott Burns, Karrie Osborne (Gary), and Kathy Hinkle (Rex).

Pat’s grandchildren: Mirek Burns (Dawn), Bailey Odell (Kyle), Morgan Fuller (Beau) Nathaniel Burns, Nicki Broas (Kevin), Jamie Burns, Katie Burns, Maddie Burns, Heidi Wetterauer (Nate), Kyler Osborne (Katey), Selena Feador (Dave), Skyler Hinkle, Kelly Yeaman (Danny)

Great Grandchildren: Austin Burns, Aubrey Burns, Dylan Odell, Patrick Odell, Adelyn Fuller, Etta Fuller, Aiden Broas, Gunner Feador, Maverick Feador, Emerald Feador, Kasen Yeaman, and soon to be: Baby Broas, Baby Wetterauer, and Baby Odell

Pat will have a private funeral Mass and Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s honor to the O'Dea High School Patrick Burns '55 Memorial Scholarship fund https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/PngMgnAtLiNReTRcTaTNMQ

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