William (Bill) Burrow

It is a rare man who touches lives through his own example of integrity and generous spirit, making those around him strive to be a better person. William Fite Burrow, Jr. born on December 29, 1939 to Mr. & Mrs. William F. Burrow, Sr. in Dallas, died on October 9, 2010 in the loving embrace of his family. Bill and Janis S. Burrow shared a 36 year love story. Bill was an adoring father to his four daughters and his ten cherished grandchildren. Bill was an anchor to his countless friends, loyal and loved. He recognized and acknowledged the goodness and kindness of others, had an unmatched curiosity for life, and made the most out of every moment.

Bill, a sixth generation Texan, grew up in Dallas, and graduated from the St.Mark's School' 57, Princeton University '61, and Yale Law School '64. Following law school, he served as a Major in the United States Army '64 - '67 in Munich, Germany. Bill returned to Dallas and practiced law with Leake, Henry, Golden, Burrow & Potts. His real estate investment success led him to pursue various property ventures for the remainder of his life. He founded Sage Land Company of Austin, a leading real estate development and investment company, with Peter Lamy, his longtime partner and friend.

Jan was the love of his life and their marriage was a partnership of unconditional love and support which inspired and uplifted all those around them. His family was his treasure and he was happiest when the home overflowed with laughter of friends old and new. While an all-around sportsman, skiing was by far his greatest passion, becoming a member of the “Milion Footer"club after 20 years heli-skiing at CMH and travelling the four corners of the world with Jan.

Bill was an active member of every community in which he lived: a trustee of St. Marks, St. Andrews and St. Stephens, a member of the Texas and American Bar Associations, a member of the vestry of St. Francis, a co-founder of the Texas Food & Wine Club, a legendary supporter of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, a life-long Salesmanship Club member, a Chevaliers du Tastevin member and a quiet, constant philanthropist in the community.

Bill's family is steeped in Texas history and played a role in the early years of Texas Republic. His great-great grandfather, Robert Irion, was Sam Houston's Secretary of State and Ambassador to England and France for the Republic of Texas. His great-great grandmother, Anna Raguet, designed the Republic's official seal which is still used today by the State of Texas. His grandfather, Joe A. Worsham, founded Worsham, Forsthye & Wooldrige (merged to become Hunton & Williams). His father, William F. Burrow Sr., was a prominent trial attorney in Dallas for over 50 years and later helped found the Texas Republican Party.

He will be dearly missed whenever family and friends gather. Bill and Jan confronted his final illness with the love, determination and energy that so characterized his life. He is also survived by his daughters and sons-in-laws: Carolyn, M.D. & Paul Barber of La Jolla, Cynthia & Brad Conger of Bryn Mawr, Elizabeth & Lane Farley of Dallas, Katherine & Andy Rupp of Denver and by his brothers, Gerard Burrow, M.D. of New Haven, Christopher Burrow, M.D. of Del Mar, Bruce Burrow of Oregon, and his sister, Nancy Parrish of Austin as well as ten boisterous grandchildren: Jack, Nicholas and Kevin Barber; Wynne, Josephine and Eleanor Conger; Ashley, Lauren and Cole Farley, and William Rupp.

Friends are invited to pay their respects at Weed-Corley Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar on Wednesday, October 13 from 6-8pm, Services will be held on Thursday, October 14 at 2 PM at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 3201 Windsor Road, with a reception following at the Tarry House in Austin, Tx. A private interment will follow in Dallas at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Friday, October 15. Friends are invited to a reception at the home of Elizabeth & Lane Farley at 3:00 pm. Please call: 214.987.9600 for details. Memorial contributions may be made to: Austin Recovery, Salesmanship of Dallas. This obituary and guest book are available at wcfish.com or you may visit caringbridge.org/visit/billborrow