Patrick James Burns Sr.

Patrick "Pat" James Burns, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, entrepreneur, pilot, world traveler, coach, and U.S. Marine, passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 86.

Born on October 28, 1937, in Houston, Texas and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Pat lived a life devoted to God, country, service to others, and family. A son and brother of a U.S. Marine and grandson of an Army soldier, Pat grew up across Maple Park from the love of his life, Roberta ("Bobbie"). Soon after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps and a brief stint at Loras College in Iowa, Pat married Bobbie and they began a 62-year journey together. Pat's entrepreneurial spirit led him from Chicago to unfamiliar Dallas, Texas in 1972 where he established Burns Controls Company, a provider of pneumatic components, in their modest, new house. The founding and the operating of Burns Controls over the last 52 years exemplifies one of Pat's most enduring and admirable qualities-his steadfast fortitude throughout his life. Burns Controls has survived multiple economic recessions, withstood a changing technological and competitive landscape, and employed hundreds of people over the years (including most of the Burns family). Pat considered his employees to be his family, and vice versa. He was generous with employment and often allowed employees with limited childcare options to bring their kids to the office. This generosity of spirit was the essence of Pat Burns-he had a heart the size of Texas.

Pat's entrepreneurial itch didn't end with Burns Controls. He started an energy drink company called Xtreme Energy (the taste his family likened to sweetened regret) in his early seventies, and then six years ago started a business which would become his pride and joy: P.J. Burns Irish Whiskey (Pat would want you to know that it's still available for purchase). Even into his eighties, Pat was the consummate salesperson.

Pat's marriage to Bobbie was one of a deep, shared Catholic faith; mutual respect; grit in the face of personal and professional setbacks; and family at the center of their lives. This family-centric ideal was no more evident than during the dinners they hosted literally every Sunday for decades (and to this day). These Sunday dinners were legendary not only for their consistency and sheer amount of food prepared but also for the fun times, engaging stories, milestone celebrations, and seemingly endless random people who showed up (most invited by Pat). There simply was always enough food, and Pat never, ever said that someone wasn't welcome. His motto, "livin' like a king!," was a guiding principle that inspired those around him to approach life with joy and enthusiasm, and it was no more evident than at these Sunday dinners. Pat loved holding court, either outside on the patio, in his recliner, next to one of the many fire pits that he bought over the years (the fire ignited with far too much lighter fluid), at the grille (often coupled with 3-foot flames from over-marinated grilled chicken), or at the kitchen table so lovingly worn out by the thousands of meals enjoyed there. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland gives a person the "gift of the gab." Pat Burns had this gift. Pat's family and friends have all experienced countless hours listening to Pat talk about business, family, current events, his time in the Marine Corps, aviation, and stories from his youth that seemed like they were from an action movie. Sunday evening dinners often concluded around the well-loved (and well worn) kitchen table, where Pat's tales-part truth, part embellishment-never failed to entertain.

Pat lived by a Marine Corps motto, Ductus Exemplo, which means to "lead by example." He lived out God's greatest commandment by serving others, and this is most evident in a Saturday morning ritual of feeding the poor in South Dallas for more than a decade and well into his 70's-rain or shine, extreme heat or extreme cold. He would drive to WalMart, buy bread, fried chicken, and bananas, and personally help Dallas's most needy. And he wanted this to be kept quiet.

Pat had an endearing impulse to buy new cars (everything from a Smart Car to a Porsche) and even a motorcycle, much to the dismay of his family. But the hobby he loved most was aviation. He earned his Private Pilot License with his Instrument, Multi-engine & Commercial ratings with over 5,000 hours. He enjoyed watching videos of fighter jets landing on aircraft carriers and could even identify the type of aircraft flying over his house just by the sound it made.

Pat and his wife Roberta (Bobbie) were deeply engaged in the St. Rita Catholic Church and School, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Jesuit College Preparatory School, the Knights of Malta, Legatus, and many other charities.

Pat is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta "Bobbie" Burns. Children: Patrick J. Burns,Jr. (Rose), Elizabeth "Betsy" Massey (Michael "Mick"), John Burns, Robert Burns (Kitty), Matthew Burns, Sr. (Morena), Michael Burns, and Katherine "Katie" Kennealey (Doug). Grandchildren: Amber Massey, Sarah Parker (Taylor), Joshua Burns, Richard "Richey" Burns, Bridget Burns, Caroline Burns, Matthew "Mateo" Burns, Jr., Andrea Burns, Liam Kennealey, Connor Kennealey, Ronan Kennealey, and one great-grandson, Benson Parker. Pat was predeceased in death by his son, Joseph Burns, and his loving granddaughter, Alexandra" Allie" Burns; parents, Helen and Andrew Burns; brothers, James "Jim" and Michael "Mickey" Burns.

Pat's life will be celebrated at a rosary and visitation at Saint Rita Catholic Church on October 21 from 7:00-8:30pm, and a funeral mass will be held at Saint Rita Catholic Church on October 22 at 10:00 AM. Pat will be interred at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Pat will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his love, integrity, and dedication to his family, country, and God Almighty. Semper Fi - Always Faithful.