Michael Burns

Michael D. Burns

Michael D. Burns, 75, of Westbrook, passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Maine Medical Center following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Mike was born on June 4, 1937 in Augusta, the son of John G.,Sr. and Mary (Farrell) Burns. He graduated from Cony High School in 1955 and, as class president, from Maine Classical Institute in 1956. He served in the US Army from 1957-1958 and was stationed in Germany.

Following military service, Mike worked for Depositors Trust Corp. He married Barbara Thurlow Burns in 1959.

From 1960-1967 he worked at McFarland Sales Company, a Volkswagon dealership in Augusta. In late 1967 he seized an opportunity and moved his family to Portland where he became a top producing salesman and served as sales manager at Morong Bros. Volkswagon.

Mike and Barbara enjoyed raising their family in the Deering Center area of Portland.

Mike moved back to Augusta in 1980 and opened Burnsies Sandwich Shop which he operated until 2003. Patrons of Burnsies enjoyed sports and family memorabilia pictures displayed throughout the shop.

With a strong desire to be near his family, Mike returned to the Portland area in 2011.

Mike was an avid sports enthusiast. He faithfully followed the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, as well as, local sports teams in the Augusta and Portland areas. He was known as a “walking encyclopedia” of sports knowledge. While in Augusta, he had a spot on a daily radio show where he asked a sports trivia question. Winners were awarded a free lunch at Burnsies. He also participated in a series called “Legends” on an Augusta Cable TV station where he spoke in detail of many of Maine’s outstanding athletes.

Mike coached Little League baseball and Pee Wee football teams in Portland during the 1970’s. Lucky were the players to have called him their coach.

Mike also had a lifelong interest in railroads in Maine, especially, the narrow gauge lines. He would spin never ending factual stories of their history. During the mid 1960’s Mike worked closely with his father-in-law, Clinton F. Thurlow, gathering and compiling information regarding the history of the narrow gauge railroad lines in Maine. Mr. Thurlow ultimately authored three books on the subject and gave great credit to Mike for his knowledge and devotion to the project.

Mike was a member of the Community Development Program in Augusta, the WW&F Railroad Museum, the Sandy River Railroad Museum, the 470 Railroad Club, the Deering Boosters Club and the Western Maine Board of Football Officials.

Mike had the most positive outlook on life. Even in times of hardship, you would never find him without a smile on his face. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, and was a true friend to all who knew him. His sense of humor was infectious. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded with those he loved and the many that loved him.

On May 18, 2012 Mike married June E. Stanley of Augusta.

Mike was predeceased by his father, John G. Burns, Sr. and son, John Robert Burns. He is survived by his wife and soul mate, June Stanley Burns; mother, Mary; sons, Jeffery David and Jason Patrick; daughter, Julie Anne; grandchildren, Angela Libby, Jianna Donisvitch, Jared Donisvitch, Julia Burns and Jacob Burns; five great grandchildren; brothers, John, Sr., Gary and Timothy; several cousins, nieces and nephews and long time friend, Barbara T. Burns.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Saturday, September 22, from 1 pm to 4pm followed by a memorial service at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodfords Street, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mike to:

Jack Burns Scholarship Fund

% Deering High School

Stevens Avenue

Portland, Maine 04103

OR

Chrisanne Burns Memorial Scholarship Funds

St. Michaels School

56 Sewall St.

Augusta, ME 04330

Or

Cony High School

60 Pierce Drive

Augusta, ME 04330