David William Burns

April 2, 1945 - December 11, 2017

Saugerties. David William Burns, 72 Died December 11, 2017 at Health Alliance Hospital Broadway Campus with his wife Diane and dear friend Kathy by his side. Born April 2, 1945 in Kingston to the late Arthur James Burns and Ruth (Mauterstock) Burns he attended Kingston High School. After graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1966-1969. He worked at Duplex Products until closing of the Kingston Plant. He and Diane opened a candle shop “Burning Lights” which soon evolved into a lighting shop that repaired and restored vintage lighting. David enrolled in the Commercial Driving School in Kingston and soon started his career as a Commercial Driver for LHV Pre Cast here in Kingston. David loved everything about driving. He loved driving through the mountain sides and the challenge of getting into some of the difficult delivery areas. He took Diane on many weekend rides to show off where he and his fellow drivers had made their deliveries. Surviving are his wife of 22 years Diane Biscoe Snow; son Damon Burns and grandson Devan Burns both of Kingston; nephews, James Burns of Boston and Christopher Burns of Alaska; also a stepson Christopher Burns and family of Kingston. Besides his parents, David is predeceased by a brother Arthur James (Jim) Burns and a sister Alida Canary. As per David’s request cremation will be immediate, and under the guidance of Buono Funeral Service, Inc. There will be a 3:00 pm worship service on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 100 Market Street, Saugerties, with a gathering of all immediately following at the Parish Life Center. Please no flowers. Donations may be made in David’s name to: The Animal Emergency Fund, C/O Ken Post, 19 North Main Street, Pine Plains, NY 12567; or “Kid’s Night Out” C/O Atonement Lutheran Church, 100 Market Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. The diagnoses on June 11, 2017 of fourth stage pancreatic cancer was a tuff one to hear, but David took it in his usual “we will get through this” attitude that got him through his diagnoses eleven years earlier of Waldenstrom’s Lymphoma. There are many angels that helped him and Diane get through the last six months: Thank you to his oncologist Dr. Waheed for being there every step of the way. The unbelievable gals of 3 East Broadway, for always going above and beyond, keeping his spirits up, and making him as comfortable as possible. Bob and Jim Willis of LHV Pre Cast for their never ending support. Drivers Ken and George for their help on the rough days. Dear friends: Kathy Hayman, Mike McWeeney, Barb Raczak, Kyle Harkin, Ben Schecter, George Barimo, Dee & Harry VanEtten, Becky & Clark Gayne, Bob & Jan VanKleeck, Judy Kraft, Terry Mayone, Lizzy Biggart, Barbara Fellows, Kathleen Benson, Sherri Pape, Aris Moshos and Gonzalo Brazo. Always there to lend support: Jean & Bruce Fellows, Ken & Denise Post, Bruce Snow, Robin from Bangs & Body, and Betty Decker for surprising him with his favorite coffee cake. Dave’s support from his co-workers at LHV Pre Cast, Diane’s support from her School to Work team at the ARC of Ulster Greene, and never ending support and love from Atonement Lutheran Church have made the burden of the last six months easier for Dave and Diane and will always be appreciated.