Charles R Burns

CHARLES R. "Chuck" BURNS November 12, 1971 - January 21, 2015 Charles R. Chuck" Burns, age 43, a long time Park Rapids area resident, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at his home in Park Rapids with his wife at his side following a valiant battle against colon cancer. Chuck was born on November 12, 1971 in Bend, Oregon, the only son to bless the lives of Charles and Patricia (Gant) Burns. At the age of three, he moved with his parents to the Lake George, MN area. He attended Park Rapids Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1990. Chuck then went on to attend the Alexandria Vocational-Technical College where he graduated with a degree in law enforcement. After his schooling, Chuck worked in construction for several years. He also started a garage door business, selling and installing overhead garage doors for residences and businesses in the area. Chuck then started over the road truck driving where he really found his niche. Chuck enjoyed the freedom of the open road and took pride in caring for his truck and trailer, operating it efficiently and delivering his loads safely and timely. He earned much praise and recognition from his employers in the 6 ½ years that he drove coast to coast. Chuck was diagnosed with colon cancer in December of 2011. Since that time he lived his life with a focused sense purpose, renewal and adventure. He was united in marriage to his soul mate and true love, Liz Stone on December 31, 2013. Their relationship gave Chuck a sense of completeness and filled his heart with poetic joy. He was also the proud father of an eleven year old son, Gavin who he adored and treasured spending time with. His other real source of enjoyment was his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He and Liz enjoyed taking numerous trips together-usually with the motorcycle involved. They made a couple of trips to Florida, Sturgis, South Dakota and beautiful Bayfield, WI. Being an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Chuck enjoyed collecting firearms and knives. He also enjoyed icefishing. Chuck felt strongly about the early detection and treatment of colon cancer so he and Liz founded the "Northwoods Ride For Colon Cancer Awareness" (NRCCA). A significant amount of the funds raised by the efforts of the NRCCA will be used to help with individual needs of local hospice patients. Above all, Chuck loved to make all those around him laugh. He treasured the time spent with his family and friends and he loved his wife, his son and his parents with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife, Liz of Park Rapids; his son, Gavin Burns of Bemidji; his parents, Chuck and Patricia Burns of Lake George; three step-children: Connor Swenson, Tanner & Gracie Eischens; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many many friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his grandparents and one uncle, Donnie. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held from 3 PM to 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the Lakes Area Vineyard Church located east of Park Rapids on highway 34. A short service will be held at 4:30 PM with Tom Swartley officiating. Chuck's urn escorts will be his son, Gavin Burns, and friends, Chris Coborn, Lenny Thelen, Jeff Eischens, Willy Jensen, Joe Holmer and Jamie Dietman. His urnbearer will be his wife, Liz. To view Chuck's video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com