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Jeffrey Burns

Obituary of Jeffrey Paul Burns

Jeffrey (Jeff) Paul Burns was born on April 23, 1962 in Monte Vista CO. After a short time in Colorado and Chinle, AZ, his family moved to Glendale, AZ where he grew up and embraced a deep love of music. Jeff married the love of his life, Lorie Duncan, on March 15, 1986. He retired from the US Navy in September 2006, after 24 years, as a Chief Petty Officer.

During his time in the Navy, Jeff participated in various missions, including drug interdiction and humanitarian missions. His awards include National Defense Service Medal (2nd), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2nd), Good Conduct Medal (7th), M-14 Rifle Expert, Expert Pistol, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd), Navy Efficiency Ribbon (6th), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6th), Surface Warfare Specialist, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Jeff had a tremendous sense of patriotism and duty however that dimmed in comparison to the love and devotion he had to his family and friends. His fighting spirit was balanced by his creativity. Jeff had a lifelong passion for music, loved riding his Harley Davidson, and had begun to pursue woodworking. He was both a warrior and an artist.

He was a wonderful, gracious, and loving husband and father. Jeff had an extraordinary sense of humor that shaped him into the kind, gentle, loving man he was. He had an extremely giving soul, always helping others. Jeff was full of life, love, laughter and adventure. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

After a long struggle with his cancer, God was gracious and called him home on October 12, 2018. Jeff peacefully passed at home with his loving wife by his side. He has been reunited with his father, Ersel Lee Burns.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 32 years, Lorie; son, Kevin and wife, Samantha, daughter, Stefanie and husband, Patrick; son, Robert; daughter, Erica and husband David; 11 grandchildren, Aiden, Logan, Darren, Kevin, Joshua, Caleb, Piper, Darik, Avrey, Levi, and Brody.

He is also survived by his mother Winona and step-father, Rodney; sister Davis and husband Jack; brother Bennett and wife, Linda; sister, Bonnie; brother, Mike Zerbe and wife Rashell; and brother, Mike Watkins and wife Tammy; along with many nephews, nieces and friends.

ALWAYS LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN

The family would love for you to share how you met Jeff and your favorite stories and memories.

A celebration of life service for Jeff will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at North Coast Church Vista Campus. Wear your favorite rock n roll shirt in honor of Jeff’s love for music or Harley Davidson shirt for his love of riding.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Jeff’s honor to; North Coast Church Military Ministry (2405 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA 92084) or the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (http://pancreatic.org).

Fair winds and following seas, Jeffrey. Your watch has ended.

 

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Tuesday
18
December

Celebration of Life

11:00 am
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
North Coast Church Vista Campus
2405 N Santa Fe Avenue
Vista, California, United States