William Thomas Burns

October 9, 1931 – January 25, 2012

William T. Burns, 80, passed away on January 25, 2012. Bill was born in West Point, NY into a military family that later moved to the Monterey Peninsula, where his father completed his military career with the calvary. Bill graduated from Pacific Grove High School in 1948 and served in the US Marines and reserves from 1950 to 1959. Bill married Jackie Pippitt in 1954 and they had two children, Cindy & Bill. He worked for the Del Monte Forest Company and then Pacific Bell /AT&T for over 35 years, relocating to the Los Angeles area in 1961 for his beloved Los Angeles Rams. He maintained season tickets for the Ram home games at the LA Coliseum until their move from LA. His favorite past times included begonia gardening and working with dogs. His passion for dogs eventually became his next career as he owned and operated a kennel in Orange, CA while breeding and showing Miniature Schnauzers & Lakeland Terriers, including numerous champions. He retired in 2010 due to health issues, moving to The Gardens in Tarzana, CA.

He is survived by his children, Cindy & Dave Lee of Pacific Grove, CA and William J. Burns of Van Nuys, CA.; his grandchildren, Casey, Curry, Chelsea and Cody Lee; sister, Barbara Turner and brother, Edward Burns; former wife Jackie Burns; family friend Derek Moreno and numerous friends in Orange County, Tarzana and the Monterey Peninsula.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Corson and brother, Tom Burns.

The Burns family would like to thank the staff and residents of Tarzana Gardens for their compassion, care and social support. Contributions in his memory may be made to Guide Dogs of America or your local animal rescue shelter.

Burial will take place at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove, where many generations of the family rest. Arrangements are by Paul’s Mortuary in Pacific Grove, CA. Thank you for remembering Bill in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.