William Burns

William C. “Bill” Burns, 58, died Thursday, November 21, 2013 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, due to an auto accident. Service Details: 10:00 am on Saturday, December 14th in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the LDS Meadowland building on 4955 Meadowland Blvd. Born on December 20, 1954 in Whitefish, Montana, Bill was the third of four children to Robert and Jean Burns. He grew up in the small town of Whitefish where he spent much of his time at the family cabin at Flathead Lake. Later, Bill attended the University of Utah where he pursued studies in Math education. He was active in the ROTC program and eventually enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, he married Jean Reeder of Durango on March 8, 1974. One year later they were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Provo Temple. The young family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, and moved in 1977 to Las Vegas, Nev. In 1982 the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. He learned various trades in carpentry, roofing, and finally established himself as the founder and owner of Advantage Alarm company. Due to family ties to Durango, Bill frequently visited Durango and conducted business in the four corners area. His family and friendship ties to Durango truly made him a dual citizen of Colorado Springs and Durango. He was an avid golfer and participated in many tournaments in Durango. He loved all sports but mainly loved to bowl, play basketball, and recently became an amateur skydiver. He found his identity working hard and providing for his family. Bill was very active in the LDS church both in Durango and in Colorado Springs. He served in various positions but was most known for his time as a Service Missionary in the Colorado Springs Prison System, and as a temple worker in the LDS Denver Temple. Bill loved to sing and was a part of the local church choir for many years. He greatly enjoyed conducting family research and discovering his family genealogy. He was known by many as a friend, someone who cared for them, and loved them for who they were. Bill loved his wife Jean, of thirty-nine years and cared deeply for her happiness. He is survived by his wife Jean Burns of Colorado Springs, his children: Amelia Barrett of Durango (spouse: Kermitt), Christopher Burns of Colorado Springs (Spouse: Kristiina) and Alicia Crane of Kyle, Tex. (Spouse: Stephen); 8 grandchildren; a sister: Bobbie King of British Columbia, and brothers: Ron Burns of Helena, Mont., and Jeffrey Burns of Whitefish, Mont.