Eugene A. Burns

peacefully passed away at his Tucson home on November 19, 2013 following a brief fight with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. Born May 19, 1936; in Tucson, Arizona. Gene (aka Trooper) attended Culver Military Academy (CMA) as Captain of the Black Horse Troop, the University of Arizona (UA) where he received his Engineering Degree in both Mining and Metallurgy, two years of Law and later went on to receive a doctorate in Chiropractic and Naturopathic at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC).

He was married to Linda Helene Cliver on May 19, 1978. They both managed his practice and their business New Life Health Center’s many locations. They enjoyed each other and all life had to offer for many years.

He grew up on two Arizona horse ranches, first near Sonoita, then later east of Tucson near Sabino Canyon and Cloud Road. In those days he rode his horse to school. His career as an engineer supported Arizona mining then east to Pennsylvania, Missouri as an engineer and back to Tucson.

For many decades he was a hardwood court enthusiast mastering Handball as a leading champion for seven years, and later a Racquetball champion, filling shelves everywhere with countless trophies. As a result of his passion for his chosen sport he incurred a serious injury that normally would have ended his ‘kill shot’ days but, instead it only managed to change his career path. Subsequently, he was introduced to renowned Tucson Chiropractor Dr. Sheldon C. Deal, who not only relieved his symptoms but, more importantly forged a belief of natural healing in him so pronounced; he was compelled to change careers. After his introduction to the world of natural healing and his miraculous recovery he and his now good friend Dr. Deal partnered to open New Life Health Center in 1970. Later, while managing New Life from California he became a doctor of Chiropractic and a Naturopath. His ambitious move to become a doctor was not just to have a practice but, to legitimize and focus his influence on the health food industry and its positive effects on mankind. It was no coincidence that most of his employees at New Life and he thought of each other as family for decades.

His passion of exercise and Racquetball remained intact for the rest of his life. He was the common denominator at all the major health clubs around Tucson. As a young man, and in those days, he could be seen running with his dogs up to seven falls and later skiing on Lake Powell, Lake Roosevelt or down the slopes of the White Mountains. He loved motorcycles; especially American made and rode his custom Harley well into his 70’s.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Alice Spear.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda, his loyal dog Bandit and the extended family at his beloved New Life Health Centers.

He is also survived by his sons Craig and Keith Burns and 4 grandchildren.

You were the strong one, the one we all looked up to. We are all better for knowing you. Thank you, Dad but, alas you left us too soon, however, you left us proud. You instilled in us your strengths and knowledge; we will miss your counsel. Farewell.

Service will be at East Lawn Palms, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712, November 24, 2013 at 1PM.

In lieu of Flowers please make a donation in his honor to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., Tucson, AZ 87516, (520) 327-6088.

For those attending the service, please dress casual or in your gym attire in honor of Eugene.