i was in vista with mr burningham 1985-1986 our class projects included trips to the basement and fall out shelter under the school, walking tours downtown salt lake,going out to camp floyd in fairfeild ut and dying the class pets fur purple he was an extremely influential teacher he will be missed and he will not be forgoten at all

I was saddened to hear about Mr. B's passing and wish I had known in time to attend the funeral.  I think of him often when I successfully spell a hard word.  He's the one who encouraged me to enter the school spelling bee in 6th grade, and I won.  It's a small thing, but I did not realize I was a good speller until he made me realize it, and that was very encouraging for me.  

I was in his class the school year right after he broke his neck, and he came to school wearing a big metal alien-looking head brace.  Looking back as an adult, I appreciate the dedication he had as a teacher.  Teachers like him don't come around very often, and the impact he made in the lives of his students will forever live in them and their children for generations. 

To Mr. B's family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this time of grief, and thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with all us big kids! 

Respectfully,

    Craig was a really neat guy. I know he meant a whole lot to my dad, Dean Busath. I didn't hear in time for the funeral so I want to express my sorrow and sympathy to the family.     Sincerely,  Barbara Busath

Mr. Burningham was one of my favorite teachers at Vista.  He helped me have good self esteem by complementing me on my "big, beautiful, brown eyes" and said I could get anything if I just batted my eyes.  It is true! Batting my eyes works every time! (just ask my husband) I think it was because we both had brown eyes!  
I remember decorating vases with masking tape and shoe polish, and firing clay in the kiln.  I also remember drawing self portraits with colored charcoal.  
I am so sad that he has passed on, but our faith believes that he is teaching elementary kids in heaven.  His influence has been so positive that I too teach elementary school.  As I see my own daughter go begin 6th grade, he makes me want to be a wonderful 5th teacher this year! 
Thanks Mr. B! We will miss you.

Tina Simpson Clements (Class of 83)
Lake Ridge Elementary
5th grade teacher

Craig was one of my heroes.  His ability to endure was a significant example.  We took short motorcycle trips, field trips to the Oquirrhs, and talked about the gospel.  His approach to education was well liked by his students and most really loved him.  Was he perfect...no, but I could really relate to him.  I will miss him, and already have.
Preston Shockley

I to was a student of Mr. B. He was an amazing teacher. The wonderful field trips we took, hikes up to the U, and even the lessons in class.  He even took a pet raccoon off our hands when he got to big for us to keep!!!  The most amazing part for me, was when I had a daughter of my own, and she attended Vista. Mr. B was her teacher too.  I enjoyed going to her parent teacher conferences, just to talk to Mr. B, he never forgot me!!!

R.I.P.

WE ALL LOVED YOU.

Mr. Burningham was my favorite teacher.  I was in his class 1974-75. We did so many reports and he read us the book Deathwatch.  We loved the pony express trail field trip and his easy going personality.  I will always
have fond memories of him.  Our condolences to your family.
Kim Pitcher Forrest, Fontana, Ca

As a young child, Craig was not only my cousin, but one of my best friends. He often took me hiking in the hills above his house when we visited Salt Lake.  He always had the best stories to tell, some of which may not have stuck strictly to the truth.  I'm so sorry that he's no longer with us.

I didn't have Mr. B as a teacher but he still left an imprint on every student at Vista.

Mr. B. was the kind of teacher that left a lasting impression on my life. He was hilarious, patient, and intelligent. I was lucky to have been taught by him!

What an amazing man your Husband and Father is. Thank you Burningham family for sharing him with us and the Vista community. I spent one of the most memorable years of my life in his 6th grade class in 1975-76. Like Wade Tolbert said we did it all, from the birth of the baby chinchillas. The plays we acted out and the production of our Greek/Roman movie we all starred in. Fossil digs at the U, visits to the UofU History Museum and the wonderful memories from that Moab trip have stuck with me my entire life. My condolences to you and your family. I’ll miss you Mr. B.

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. B for both my 5th and 6th grade teacher.  I was truly a role model to the children he taught.  

To his family – “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” His memory will live on in the hearts of many.

Mr. B was one of my favorite teachers!  He made learning fun and always made each day something new.  I will always look back on 6th grade with fond memories..even when he brought his snake for a visit (eww..).  Thank you Mr. B!

Mr Burningham was my 6th grade teacher in the late 60's.  He was one of my favorite teachers.  I have fond memories of his great sense of humor.  He was a great man and I am sure that many will feel his loss.  I will cherish all that I learned from him.  Thank you Mr Burningham for many good memories.

Mr. B was an amazing, kind and gifted man. Every fourth grader wanted to be in his class. I got to split my days between him and Mrs. Burbidge. We had a great time looking for trilobites up near the U during summer school. What an amazing legacy he has left behind. We shall all strive a little harder to make him proud of us and the lives we are living. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was very special and I know he will be missed.

To the Family of Mr. "B" - Thank you for sharing him with all of us at Vista Elementary.  It is very rare to have a teacher when you were in elementary school also teach your children.  He was truly a gift, he made learning fun and impacted so many.  You should be very proud of his legacy he is that "one special teacher" that everyone remembers and we would come back to Vista to visit, even as adults.  He clearly touched so many.  May the memories help you through this difficult time.  Peace be with you!

Mr. B was an amazing teacher, one of my favorites for sure. Seeing his face brought back so many fond memories. He made a very positive imprint in my life and I will never forget him.

When I think about my time at vista elementary, Mr. B stands out above all others! His love of life was soooo contagious, and he made the world so big. I absolutely remember the archeology digs in the basement and his monitor lizard lol. All my love and condolences to his family.

Mr. Burningham was one of my favorite teachers, we had allot of fun in his class at Vista. I still remember the trip to Moab with the class after our 6th grade year and our class playes we got to perform. he made learning fun. my heart goes out to his family. Wade Tolbert 6th grade class of 1976

Mr. B was my favorite grade school teacher by far.  I have many fond memories of him, even though it has now been about 25 years.  He even let us dye the classroom pet (a white rate named Hector) purple, just for fun.  

To his family:  Keep your heads up and be proud.  This was a man who accomplished what he likely wanted to accomplish by choosing to teach.  He definitely made the world a better place and was a good role model for so many of us young kids at an important stage of our early childhood developmental stage.  I am so sorry you lost him, but you have to be proud of what he was and what he meant to so many of us.  He was truly special.

Mr. B was one of my favorite teachers throughout my entire school career.  He made class fun and wonderful.  I remember going on "archaeological digs" in the basement of Vista.  They were so much fun.  He made learning exciting.  Fifth grade was my favorite year in elementary.  Mr. B also taught my siblings before me.  When he saw he had another Hoppe in his class, he nicknamed me "Hopper."  The name stuck.  I even wrote it on all of my classwork instead of my given name.  He will be sorely missed.  I'm saddened for all of the future students who won't be able to learn in his light.  I love you, Mr. B!!!

Mr."B" was a awsome school teacher at Vista. He was my teacher back in the 60's. What's so neat is that he taught all 3 of my daughter. They all talk very highly of him as well as i do. I remember doing pottery in he's class and still have the mug i made to this day. We also did baby chicken's in class too. I'm now 49 years young and have so many found memories. To his family; What a awsome husband and father you have!. Thank's for sharing him for so many years. He will be missed and be teaching on the the other side of the veil. Tell we meet again. The Meng Family.

Mr. Burningham what can't you say about this man. He was my teacher in the 6th grade and i loved that class.Vista was byfar the best school to attend because of him. The animals in class the kindness of his heart. Truely a great teacher and friend. Im sorry for the family's loss. Today is a day of reflection. Think of all the great and wonderful things Mr. B did and tought us all. God bless him. You have recieved a wonderful man into the heavens today. My Condolences

Craig and I were missionary companions three times and I was witness to his sealing in the SL Temple.  Dixie and Craig babysat for us when they were at the U of U.  We shared August as our birthday month, me the first day, him the last day, and usually were in touch on those days.  He was a good and true friend.  I always admired him for surviving with honor the challenges both his and Dixie's health presented to them.  He will be missed and I'm anxiously awaiting our reunion on the other side of the veil.
     To his family; your husband and father loved you dearly and we talked a lot about his love and desires for you.  He was also very clear about his wishes that your testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were strong and always growing.  
     Bon Voyage 'Clyde Bummingsides' (what one very old sister in the mission field who couldn't ever remember his name used to call him.  We love you and Dixie.

Terry L. and Linda Thatcher
Orderville, Utah

OBITUARY

David Craig Burningham

31 August, 1942 – 15 August, 2010

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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