Celebration of Chris Burns

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Facebook, August 3 - 14

Nicki Fischer

There is so much I want to say, but nothing seems quite right. I don't know how to express how much I miss you and how empty I feel knowing you aren't there anymore. It isn't fair how little time we were able to spend together, but I will never forget those few days at the beach house, or the night you stayed at my house. ♥

Duckie Rudkin

FB showed me a status from today's date, but from 2009. We were skyping and you randomly told me you were pooping during our skype date. I miss when you would say that kind of stuff. I miss you.

Meghan Whetten

I miss you babe :(

Samuel Jungeblut

Hey Chris. Love for you and your family.

Raven Hurst

Still can't believe it =(.

George Kracke

i went out on the boat today. went to the cove and brought back some good times listening to our boy Bob Marley. just like the good ole days man. i miss you brother. i think about you everyday. much love brother

Meg Gnadt

It was our song.. ♥ I miss you so much..

Box Car Racer - There Is

Cory Voltron Coleman

I miss you so much. I still can hardly believe this. Every day you're in my thoughts and my heart. I love you, man.

Jessica Elizabeth Turner

love n miss you very much ♥♥♥

Caterina Mary De Gaetano

I have been thinking about you a lot lately and I miss you man. I just keep remembering your words, "never give up" and it helps me to keep going. ♥

Charlie Willson

i miss you bro

George Kracke

i miss you so much Chris. i pray for you and parker and your parents everyday that you and everyone that loves you is at peace. i love you buddy.

Music video by Eminem performing Like Toy Soldiers

Mo Bhean

miss you like something crazy right now i miss our late night talks sitting there on tht annoying green swing thing :( ♥

Gus Tis

I'm doing what you would of wanted.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Great tribute from Nicole

link to original post here

For you our beloved friend and brother, Chris.

"Never give up." These were words that 22 year old Chris "Burnsie" Burns constantly said throughout his life to encourage those around him. Chris never gave up his struggle but on July 14th 2011, God called Chris home.
Chris became a good friend of Nicole and myself this summer, a brother like figure even. Although I knew Chris at the tail end of his life and for only a few short weeks, it only took that brief time to figure out what a special person he was. Chris made friends easily. With his carefree spirit, witty jokes, and a goofy smile, he could win you over in less than ten minutes. Believe me, he became my friend in about five. Just sitting and talking with him about cars, Family Guy, or even about life, you could tell what a resilient and caring person he truly was. He could turn the darkest and most difficult situation into a comedy. Nothing could bring his mood down. He was a good listener and always checked in on you, no matter where he was or what his circumstances were. He became very close to my friend Nicole. They shared many deep conversations and had each other's back. Chris treated her like a sister. To me, Chris was like family. Behind his kind and lovable soul, Chris had demons to tackle.
He struggled with addictions throughout his young life and he sought help. Through his addictions, he constantly helped others around him, otherwise people which society conveniently forgets about and shoves away into a dark corner. In my eyes, I see Chris as the guiding light for those who followed the same path he did. His life and yes, even his death has and will change people's lives.
On July 22nd, a memorial was held in honor of Chris. Many friends, and family members attended to share their pain in his loss, as well as their joy in memories and the opportunity to know Chris. And what an opportunity it was. Everyone had nothing but good things to say about this young man and you could tell how much he was and always will be loved.
Chris, we will miss jamming to Waka Flocka with you and laughing at your jokes. You will always be in our hearts and we know you are looking down at us with that smile from heaven. You are our brother, and a close friend.

If you get anything out of this story, get this. Don't take the ones you love for granted because one day you are here, and gone the next. Life is too precious to be wasted. Most importantly, never judge a person for where they have been because we all have our problems. It is how we deal with them that counts. Genuine souls are hard to come by, but Chris sure was one of them. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with him and remember, love your friends and family but also those around you who need the most care. And in the words of Chris Burns, "Be good."

Chris' Facebook wall, part 5 - July 23 - August 1

Ramey Lynch

i miss you... and I'm sorry i couldn't make it to the memorial service i really wanted to. You meant a lot to me... as much as we all hated Cedars i always loved you and everyone there, living with people and going through an experience like that makes you so much closer and i had a lot of fun with you and a lot of wonderful memories. i miss "not working" with you and really everything. love you ♥

Ellen Zollinger

i have come on your profile to tell you i miss you
He had a plan to kill you all along
The evidence was hidden in this song
I was a ghost
You're the only one that wore your seatbelt

Escape The Fate-Chariot Of Fire Lyrics

George Kracke

im still expecting to get one of your late night calls man. my nights are not the same with out you. i miss you so much. i wish i could get just one more call from you. love ya brother

Kelcey Wheeler

i miss you..

Jacob C. Palmer

I heard from Sam Scarborough "Scarbizzil" and he told me the news about you. I suddenly felt guilty that I hadn't called you sooner, when you gave me your new phone number. We had some good talks and fun times, I'll never forget our road trip from my college to your college to woodhall, and one tires that needed changing to boot. it was always educational to talk to you and hear your crazy stories the best was our own. We were at the starbucks in Greenwich when you remarked that the two people who had just left forgot their phone. I said we should go give it to them, you told me to not worry about it.

So i jumped up grabbed the phone on the table and dashed out the door to give it back. When i returned you were standing with the actual owner of the smart phone trying to calm him down. suddenly terrified I turned to you and you told me we have to get it back it cost the guy $700. We both dashed out the door trying to find the couple that had taken the phone from me but to no avail. When the owner and Starbucks manager caught up to us, and suggested to call the police, ever the pragmatist you said "well the station is two blocks away lets go there together."

we told our story and the phone owner was very angry and wanted the cops to arrest us, but I just followed your lead and talked to the cops and not him. We didn't get arrested I didn't have to pay $700 and we a damn good story to write home about. I'm going to miss you bro never a good act go so terribly wrong before.

Mo Bhean

♥ we miss you

Misses Royalty

a night of tears, thinking of thw times we spoke. i wish you were still here man.

Pammy-cakes Turley

miss u bro.u will always be in my heart.......

George Kracke

thinking of getting a tattoo for Chris Burns. may he rest in peace. i miss u brother

Blackey DeathProof

ill never forget you chris. im so sorry i couldnt make it to say good bye. our time together was short but we had many laughs and goof times. RIP♥

Sara Davis

I know it’s illogical – but if I don’t go to sleep tonight, tomorrow is one less day that I have to wake up to a world without you in it. I am so grateful for the family and friends I have who love me and only wish that you, Chris Burns, were still here to be a part of that.

William Sablove

the last time i saw you was a year after graduation when we were back at woodhall with some other people chilling in the woods. i never really understood what you were going through and wish i had known more and tried to help. your passing is a devastating reminder of how fragile life is and how important friends are in times of need. until we meet again, thanks for your contribution to my life and rest in peace

Luka Milliano

This is tragic, my heart goes out, a really harsh reminder of what this shit is about!!!!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Chris' Facebook wall, part 4

Charles Burns

yesterday was a great day....thank you all for being there for me and my family

Ashley Brooke

Chris, i wish u were still here, its one of those times where i need ur advice and someone to make me laugh.. i miss you so much even tho i may not show it, but i do u were my big brother u always knew what to say, i miss our talks on skype and u randomly calling me. rest in peace big brother i love you soo much <33

Meagan Kailey Bealer

‎:((( RIP my friend

Christina Ann Lilly Rathbun

Dude I can't believe it =( it was only a little while ago we were talking nd everything was great. I get bac from Florida nd this is the news I come bac to. My heart goes out to your family I'll miss you. R.I.P

Robert J. Rappoport

To all those attending Chris Burns Memorial Service, especially his family. I am sorry I am unable to attend. I wish you all the best and Chris great happiness and peace. Rest in peace buddy.

Meghan Whetten

I love you.

Todd Hallock

R.I.P.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Legacy.com guestbook posts

I'm transferring all entries here as the Legacy.com guestbook will expire in August.

-Sara
Updated August 1 with entries from July 23 & later

July 27, 2011

To the Burns Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Christopher. I lost my son Chris in January and I can feel your loss.
Karen Harris

July 25, 2011

Our Thoughts and prayers are with the Burns Family

Mike Bear,

Greenwich, Connecticut

July 25, 2011

The loss of your son, Patricia, is just the saddest news. I am so terribly sorry. My heart goes out to you and your whole family in this painful time. You are in my thoughts and heart.

Laura Perkins,

Cambridge, Massachusetts

July 25, 2011

Chris, I am so sad for you, and for your parents and family, sad of course that you have moved on. You were a sweet and wise and gentle young man, and I find it a gift to have known you. May you and your loved ones find great peace in this next step. Wishing you many blessings.

John O'Keefe,

Greenwich, Connecticut

July 25, 2011

My profound shock and deepest sadness on learning of Chris' passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Chris touched everyone at The Woodhall School in a very special way. He will always be remembered.

Carl Seefried,

Bethlehem, Connecticut

July 22, 2011

Chris, may "flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." You were a good friend to my son and will remain in my thoughts.

Ned Costello,

Old Lyme, Connecticut

July 21, 2011

I'll never forget the fun times we had together, Chris. You are an excellent person and a true friend. My deepest condolences to your family.
Journey well my friend.

Jeff M,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 21, 2011

Rest in peace, my friend. I'll always remember your smile, and the way you made everyone around you smile, too.

Sean Mandable,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 21, 2011

My condolences to Chris' family. I taught Chris his first year at Woodhall. What I will remember about him is his humor and sometimes, you know, when he looked at you, it was such a looking into you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Linda Pack Butler,

Ancramdale, New York

July 21, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear about Chris's death. While I started teaching after he graduated, many of the best stories I've heard from the recent past at Woodhall include him and relate to his leadership, sense of humor, and the friendships he developed while at school. I cannot be at the Memorial service, but his family is in my prayers.

David Byrne

July 21, 2011

We are so sorry to hear this news. Chris was Alex's roommate at Woodhall in the spring semester when Alex was a freshman and Chris was a senior. He helped Alex alot and was very kind to him.
May the Lord bless him and all his family. R.I.P. Alex Cabrera
The Cabrera Family - Alvaro, Jackie, Alex, Joseph and Miranda

July 21, 2011

Barrett, my heart-felt condolences for you and your family at the loss of your precious son. You are all in my prayers.

Carol Vanderbilt,

Columbus,, Ohio

July 21, 2011

You always knew how to light up a room, Chris. You are missed, very much so. Deepest condolences to your family.

Doreen Pinkerton,

Hamden, Connecticut

July 20, 2011

Deep and shocking sadness at the news of Chris' passing. All my love to you and your family ... ... ... may you somehow, someway, know the proverbial peace and love that transcends all understanding in this tragedy and beyond ...
- Drew Seiscio

July 20, 2011

Rest in peace chris, I will see you again soon. Love you and all the times we shared

mike rechtman

July 19, 2011

Patricia, I learned of Christopher's death from Lindsey. I am thinking of all your family and send you all my love,
Vicky Rigsby

July 19, 2011

Patricia, I am sorrier than words can express. Please know that I am thinking of you and your husband and Charles and send all my condolences. With love, Vicky (Bijur)

July 19, 2011

Rest in peace, Christopher Rand Burns.

Yao Yang Neo

July 19, 2011

Chris Burns was an amazing person, always there to cheer you up and a great friend. I will miss Chris, and send my condolences to his family.

Chris Hrusa,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

Deepest sympathies to Chris's family. He was a wonderful young man. He could always bring a smile to my face.

Maria Satterwhite,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

Love you buddy. I'll see you again.

Trevor Lewis,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

miss you man be good n ttg all night long

Nicole Carolei,

Poughkeepsie, New York

July 18, 2011

My condolences go out to your family. I will always remember your gift for laughter and corky personality calling me at 2:30am to go sledding at the school. R.I.P. my friend.

Rob Handy,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

you are so loved and missed! Your smile, silliness and energy was always so warm and welcoming. I'm grateful for having you as a friend. You were such a gentleman. My condolences to the family! Chris IS very loved

Carissa DeLeone,

New Haven, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

We will miss you, Chris, and we hold you in our hearts.
-- Matt, Jennie, Maya, and Zoe

Matthew Woodhall,

Bethlehem, Connecticut

July 18, 2011

This candle will forever shine bright for you Chris, May you Rest In Peace.

Katie Marra,

Chevy Chase, Maryland

July 18, 2011

Deepest sympathies to all of Chris' family and friends. Chris was something else. I will miss him.