He was born June 22, 1941 in Bismarck, N.D., to H.T. and Alice (Malling) Burns. His younger years were spent on the Stevenson Flats, Garrison, N.D., then later moved to Stanton, N.D. where he graduated from Stanton High School. He attended Wahpeton State School of Science, studying radio and TV. He then attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago studying A.C. power, maintenance and refrigeration. He worked for Gil Fargo Refrigeration and at Minot A.F.B. in 1966.
Howard married Margaret (Peggy) Schei on Aug. 27, 1966 at the First Congregational Church in Garrison, N.D. They moved to Hermiston in 1967 and Howard worked at the Umatilla Army Depot and also owned and operated Burns Refrigeration Service in the late 1960s and early 1970s where he did service for many businesses. A daughter, Michele Ann Burns was born April 28, 1968. A move to The Dalles followed where Howard worked at John Day Dam, and son, Harold Tice Burns was born April 1, 1971. He then transferred to McNary Dam working for the Army Corps of Engineers retiring on Aug. 2, 2001.
Howard was a loving, caring husband, father, and an amazing grandfather. He had a wonderful love for family & friends. In his retirement years, he enjoyed Ultralight aircrafts and loved the feeling of freedom.
He was a member of the Hat Rock Hounds Rock & Gem Club and the Faith Presbyterian Church – helping with the Backpack program with the Agape House.
He enjoyed fishing with his children & grandchildren, and camping with his RV when his health permitted.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, H.T. and Alice Burns.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy; his daughter, Michele Burns Rodriguez & son, Harold Tice Burns both of Stanfield; 5 grandchildren, Ashley Rodriguez of La Grande, Jessica Burns of Hermiston, Danielle Burns of Hermiston, Kaitlyn Burns of Stanfield, and Travis Livingston of Stanfield; sister, Sharon Burns-Campbell of Anchorage, Alaska; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1005 SE 9th Street, Hermiston.
Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
