Showing posts with label William A. Burnes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label William A. Burnes. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A Tribute to William Burnes on March 13th.


My big bro has been cancer-free in heaven for 7 years now, and Grandpa hasn't had to deal with his bad heart for 57 years. I am remembering these great men today and how ironic that they both died on March 13th, exactly 50 years apart. I am so grateful that I will see them again someday. This is where my family history journey began. There were too many coincidences that left me wondering, and wanting to learn more. Now I know the truth and continue to learn about my family history; I love "connecting the dots". Let's take a moment to remember those who have gone before us, and are now free from their pains and sufferings.

William Aaron Burnes Bio >> http://www.myburnesclan.com/2012/01/william-aaron-burnes-bio.html
William Emry Burnes >> http://www.myburnesclan.com/2010/03/my-grandparents-william-ruth-burnes.html

Monday, October 22, 2012

Families Are Forever - Genealogy Means Everything!

I believe families are forever!! I believe after we leave this life on earth, we are united with loved ones who have passed on before us. I believe what is bound here on earth, is bound in heaven. 

On March 13, 2006 my life changed forever; my oldest brother William Burnes died after a nine month battle with cancer. Only 39 years old, and at the peak of his life; building his dream home with his soon to be wife. A playful man who loved traveling, adventure, building, playing pranks, his cars and family history. During his battle, his sweetheart never left his side. She was determined to fight this horrific battle and get him recovered, but sadly recovery wasn't his life story. The veil of heaven was opened and he was greeted into heaven by his family. He was needed on the other side for a greater purpose that only God knows.

Death and regrets. The coping was hard because of the regrets I had from not spending more time with my brother. He was 10 years older than me, but I wish I could have created a deeper bond with him. However, since his passing, I feel closer to him now than ever before. I feel that he is close by. I have dreams of us talking and him joking around like he always did.

After Will's passing, I chose to honor him by picking up where he left off on his family history, and it was like the flood gates of knowledge had opened. At that point, I knew what part I was playing and my life became even more enriched. There is power in knowledge, but there is a deeper power in the knowledge of family.

Genealogy means everything to me!! I believe our ancestors want to be known. We are here today because of them. Let's pay it back and honor them by keeping them alive in us. Let's seek them out, grow our family tree, and "Connect The Dots".


William Aaron Burnes May 29, 1967 - March 13, 2006
Click here to read his BIO >>


Brady & Sarah Burnes Heiner with William Burnes & Joell Sweeney
September 17, 2003

Thursday, February 02, 2012

The "Will" Ball - How it all Started!

My brother William Aaron Burnes lost his battle to cancer on March 13, 2006.  He was a Commercial Fisherman in Alaska for 10 years. I give you this information for a reason, please read on!!

My husband Brady and our daughter decided to go golfing one day at the Cedar Hills golf course, just 3 months after my brother passed away. While on the course, Brady takes a few practice swings and is about to tee off on the first hole when a guy about 18 years of age who worked at the golf course said...
"hey, do you need a golf ball?" 
Brady said "no I have plenty."
The 18 yr old responded, "here have this one",
and without further hesitation, the 18 yr old threw the golf ball to Brady. As Brady caught it, he saw the word "WILL" professionally printed on the ball. As he turned the ball around he saw a picture of a bear with a fish in it's mouth with the word "Alaska" printed below the image. Brady was speechless and overwhelmed at that moment because he knew that my brother Will was still with us, and he wanted it to be known.  

I often wonder who that boy was, and why he felt so impressed to give the ball to Brady even though he refused his offer. I also wonder where that ball came from in the first place. Was this a ball my brother had professionally designed while in Alaska and somehow through his hands, it made it back to us? I wish I knew. Someday I Will.

When Brady returned home from golfing, he placed the golf ball in my hand and relayed this miraculous encounter to me and I knew what I was suppose to do; I needed to find our ancestors and continue Will's work. At first I thought "this is impossible", but realized "with His help, I can do this", and began to mend my thoughts of  inadequacy and started researching. It was very difficult at first, in fact, the only form of genealogy I had was a restaurant napkin that Will wrote a few notes on before his passing; something I will treasure forever!  I knew nothing about my ancestors, how to begin, or how to build our family tree, but I knew I had a responsibility, and Will would guide me; I knew this!

For the past 7 years, the "Will" Ball has been in my office with an assurance that my brother is close by.  Today, we have over 7,000 BURNES CLAN ancestors that we are proud of and feel a strong connection to because of Will.  I picked up where he left off in his research and I am honored to be the vessel for his great work.

More Burnes Info can be found at www.myburnesclan.com


William Aaron Burnes 

May 29, 1967 - March 13, 2006
Semper Fi  (Always Faithful)

William Burnes - US Marines - 3rd Recon Battalion 


William Burnes  as a Commercial Fisherman in Alaska for 10 years.

William Burnes and long time girlfriend, Joell Sweeney. She stayed by his side, every second, until the end.

My favorite picture of us. Brady & Sarah Heiner on the Left, 

William and Joell on the Right. September 17, 2003.
 

William Aaron Burnes' Obituary