William Burnside

On Wednesday June 7th, 2017 our beloved and loving father, brother and grandpa, passed from this life quietly in his sleep. He had recently endured a quick onset of multiple organ failures after enduring a lengthy stay in the hospital for unrelated issues and the recent passing of his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan Thelma Burnside.
He was also preceded in death by daughter Deborah (Debbie) Irene Burnside (8/12/61), Mother Thelma Burnside, Father John C. Burnside, brother Jess Burnside and son in law Alex Avendano.
Dad is survived by his loving and heartbroken children; son William S. Burnside, daughter Carol Ann Varney (Doug Varney), granddaughter Lindsay, numerous brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and Bernie. Dad’s early years included growing up during “The Great Depression” and despite that earned and was voted “All Around Athlete” upon graduation from Sanpete High School (UTAH) in the spring of 1947.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy later that year and over a twenty year career served aboard 13 Naval vessels, visited 46 foreign and 10 U.S. ports of call, spent time stationed in Florida where son William S. was born, Virginia where daughter Debbie Irene was born and London England where daughter Carol Ann was born. He retired on May 25th 1967 and with the family moved back to Utah where he completed a 20 year career with Mountain Bell/AT&T.
Dad became a master leather craftsman, master Silver and Goldsmith, and master lapidarist. He never lost his love of “rock hounding” and loved to play golf. Dad and Mom enjoyed many wonderful years after Dad’s retirement, and Mom’s retirement from the Veteran’s Administration in 1989.
For many years after retirement they split their time between West Jordan UT (summers) and Quartzsite AZ (winters). They were avid “rock hounds”, had countless friends and loved to be in the desert searching for anything of interest that Dad could make jewelry from. He also enjoyed working his “claim” in the desert “dry washing” and metal detecting for gold.
Always ready with a story and happy to show off his wonderful works of leather, paintings, carvings, baskets and countless jewelry pieces, you would come away wondering how one man could have so many talents. He was loved by many and had an endearing soul. We are glad that he is at peace and back in the loving arms of Mom and Debbie.
All family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life at 2:00 p.m. Saturday July 8th at Memorial Redwood Cemetery located at 6500 So. Redwood Rd., Taylorsville UT 84123 in the main hall.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all family and friends, who gave support during the difficult and the good times.
Please, in lieu of flowers we would appreciate your donation to “The Wounded Warriors Fund”.
Service Information

Celebration of Life
July 8, 2017 at 2:00 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT 84123