William "Art" A. Burns

November 23, 1931 - December 5, 2014

Art passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Art was born in Detroit to William A. and Jean Burns. Art is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 55 years, Ruth; his devoted children; Bill Burns, Bob (Tessa) Burns , and Kathy (Bob) Bensley ; ten wonderful grandchildren, Natalie, Nicole and Billy Burns- RJ, Olivia and Sabrina Burns- Kara, Katilee, Jack and Bekah Bensley; and his loving sister, Jean James. He will be greatly missed. His positive attitude, values and integrity throughout his life set a wonderful example for his family. Art, while attending Hillsdale College, played on the tennis team and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. The Delts continued to be treasured friends of his throughout his life. After graduating from college, Art went to work at J. L. Hudson Co. where he became a Benefits Manager and made a career in this field. Art enjoyed volunteering throughout his life, using his leadership and organizational abilities. He was on the board of directors at Hudson’s Employee Credit Union and the Downtown Detroit YMCA and, while in Traverse City, on the board of the Grand Traverse Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging and Friends of Traverse Area District Library. Art was an avid reader. While serving at TADL, the opening of the new Traverse City Library occurred, which was special to him. Art played tennis and many other racquet sports for many years. After he retired in Traverse City, he exchanged his interest in racquet sports for a love of golf. Art and Ruth were fond of spending time with their grand children. They enjoyed playing bridge, golf and hiking with friends in Traverse City. Traveling to Europe and South Africa was memorable. We sincerely thank Munson Hospice and Home Health Care for their excellent care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17 from 4 until 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The memorial service for Art will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 18 at The Presbyterian Church, 701 Westminster, and Traverse City with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The Rev. William Meyers will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Art’s name may be directed to the new Cowell Family Cancer Center c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI. 49684 or www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundation Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with his family. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.