Henry Burns

Blessed richly with the music and instruments that he so loved, Henry M. “Hank” Burns will be fondly remembered as a local businessman, community member and honorable Veteran who deeply loved his family. He gave wholeheartedly through his talent as a musician, gaining much throughout his lifetime of experiences. He will be sadly missed.

With the end of World War I, the year 1919 marked a time of great change in America. Young men were returning home from the war amid a booming post war economy while Prohibition was established across the nation. In the thriving city of Grand Rapids, Michigan along the banks of the Grand River, Mike and Gertrude (Ebbitt) Burns had reason to rejoice that spring with the birth of their son, Henry M. Burns, born on April 9, 1919.

One of nine children in the Burns household, Henry, or “Hank” as he was called, grew up alongside his brother and seven sisters. Hank enjoyed a typical childhood with neighborhood friends and experienced many adventures as young boys often do. Times became difficult during the Great Depression, and Hank’s family was no exception, especially for such a large household. Devout in their Catholic faith, Hank attended St. Francis Elementary School and then went on to Catholic Central High School where he graduated with the Class of 1937.

After high school, Hank attended college for a year and then like many young men during this time, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 14, 1941 during World War II where he trained in radio operations. As a radio operator, Hank was shipped overseas where he spent most of his duty in England and Iceland before being honorably discharged on December 16, 1944.

Throughout the years, Hank acquired quite a musical talent. He not only played the saxophone and clarinet, but the drums and harmonica as well. The days during the post war 40s was an exciting time in America, and it was then that Hank began to play in several local bands, often playing the many tunes that became so popular during the era of the big bands. He was known for his love of music and over the years quite often played at the Boat and Canoe Club. He had been a member of the Good Medicine Band, the Tom Zalaroas Band, the Don Kay Trio and the Aristocrats.

Playing in the bands provided an income for Hank, but he also worked for the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P Grocery, where he worked the counter and stocked shelves. He also helped his father out on occasion with his work as a local cemetery sexton. Hank later went to work for the Jewel Tea Company selling products throughout neighborhoods as a driver.

A longtime bachelor, Hank became quite close to his many nieces and nephews. They always welcomed their Uncle Hank with open arms, often inviting him to family gatherings. Memorable and great times were always shared in his company as he made get-togethers fun and enjoyable for everyone. In later years, his nieces and nephews would meet up with him to celebrate his birthday and continued to visit often. He was an integral part of their lives, and of course, many of them took an interest in learning to play musical instruments from him.

In his forties when he found true romance, Hank met and began courting Marion German, also from Grand Rapids. Blessed in marriage on September 20, 1968, they made their home together in Marion’s house on the north end of the city. The two enjoyed much through Hank’s memberships in the American Legion and the Golden K Kiwanis Club, as well as various other service organizations and social clubs in the area.

Hank’s career took a turn when he went to work for and became a partner with the Federal Clearing Bureau, but around 1958 he ventured out on his own when he began his own business, Burns Collection Agency, serving the greater Grand Rapids area. He eventually retired in 1984, but continued to go into the office often to check on things.

With his love and interest in music, Hank played in bands and played his instruments at every opportunity. Always close to his nieces and nephews, Hank relied on their love and support, especially when Marion passed away in 1999. He remained living in his home on Comstock Blvd. N.E, keeping an active interest in his instruments and enjoying the music that he so loved. He even played in a few local bands right up until 2004.

The most consistent characteristic of Hank's personality ,noticed by everyone he encountered, was his wry sense of humor. Always ready with a quip and with his penchant to just "kid around", he would engage you with a sly smile and a sparkle in his eye. On a more serious side , he was always inquiring about what was going on in your world and if you needed anything. He would always listen intently and respond accordingly. His generosity was only superseded by his sense of humor.

A few years ago, Hank went to live at Clark on Keller Lake, a Clark Retirement Community, and it was there that he passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the age of 90. Besides his wife, Hank was preceded in death by his seven sisters and one brother and is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, 11:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. A time of visiting will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the memorial mass at St. Andrew's. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Catholic Central High School are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read more about Hank’s life, share a memory or sign his online register book