Dustin Joseph Burns

Dustin Joseph Burns Age 39, was born on May 8th, 1981, and passed away on August 24th, 2020 He was from Georgetown, Delaware, and had recently returned from living and working in Spokane, Washington. In his earlier years, He was a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, Delaware, Class of 1999. Dustin was the loving son of William Burns, Jr., Denise Lowe Burns, and proud step-son of Barry, all of Georgetown, Delaware. He was a benevolent and loving brother, to William Jason Burns & Julie Boucher, and a loving supporter and proud mentor to his nieces & nephews, Zoey and her partner Steve, William, Julian, Emma, and Chloe. He had a very special place in his heart for, and was deeply loved in return, by his Grandmom, Edna E. Burns, her husband Jim, and cousins Jimmy & Casey. He was profoundly loved and is sorely missed by his: aunt Patti & uncle Jim Deptula, and cousins, Jaime (Yonghao), Jessica (Jason), Steve (Julia, & Kara), & Doug (Vivian & Violet); uncle Ralph & aunt Faith Lowe, and cousins Melissa (Matt) Jordan (Rachel, Jackson & River) & Joshua (Monika, & Presley); aunt Janet & uncle Lee Mitchell, and cousins Don, Pete, Missy, & Kathy; and aunt Diane & uncle Mike Sponaugle, and cousins April, David, Rebecca, & Rachel. Dustin was preceded in death and welcomed on to his next journey by loving grandparents Ralph V. & Helen P. Lowe; grandfather William H. (Bud) Burns, Sr.; his adoring great-aunt, Nancy A. Phillips; and lifelong family friend and godfather, Kenny Martin. Dustin was a lifelong friend, lover and soulmate to Stephanie Harpster and he loved her children, Keilo and Jayden, as if they were his own, as well as, her mother, Wendy, who was like a second mom to him. He also left behind his best feline friend and loyal sidekick, Maryjane, who survives him. While traveling out west, he adopted her as an orphaned kitten, and Mary became his faithful pal, confidante and traveling companion. Dustin had a great passion and appreciation for Our Mother Earth, and her “Church of Nature.” Hiking and taking pictures of beautiful landscapes, researching and discussing world issues, collecting art and antiques, gaming with friends in his spare time, and experimenting with culinary cuisine, were just a few of the myriad of interests he treasured. Wanting to see the United States of America, Dustin set goals of taking five years to explore this interest by traveling and living in the western part of our country. He reached this goal and lived his dream, subsequently accomplishing it with great satisfaction and happiness. Those who knew Dustin recognized that he followed the beat to his own drummer. He was not afraid to express his opinions, or stand up for whatever he believed to be right and true. He was a real go-getter with lots of drive, integrity and perseverance. For a short time, he dabbled in the field of horticulture in Colorado, especially with the uses of hydroponics and native plants. As like his pop-pop Ralph, he found great happiness utilizing his green thumb, to grow many beautiful plants over the years. Everyone loved and enjoyed listening to Dustin share stories of his many adventures, and about the wonderful people he met in his travels. As the Covid19 pandemic increased in the USA, Dustin decided mid-year it was time to come back to his home state of Delaware to be near his family members. He was an extraordinary “ray of sunshine” to us when he returned, and was a compassionate Caretaker within our family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Dustin was a third generation Water Well Driller, in his home state of Delaware, following in the footsteps of his father, Jr., and his grandfather, Bud. While in Spokane, Washington, where he resided the longest, he was a certified pump technician with Fogle Pump & Supply, Inc., and they were like a second family to him. He was so thankful to have been employed by a company that appreciated, and respected him, as he likewise did them. Throughout Dustin’s life he formed loyal and caring friendships with people from many walks of life, and cherished them all wholeheartedly. His beautiful smile, robust laughter, and extreme sense of humor will be so sadly missed by all who knew him. As Dustin’s family, we would like to thank his friends and ours for the many condolences and expressions of love we have received on his behalf. Your kindness will always be remembered, just as Dustin will always be remembered in our hearts. Dustin, all the love you gave, now surrounds you forever…. your spirit is free. A private graveside service and interment are being handled by Short Funeral Services, 609 East Market Street, Georgetown, Delaware, on September 12th, 2020. We plan to have a Celebration of Life, in the near future, at a time deemed safer for traveling, for those who wish to attend. If you would like to leave a fond remembrance of your life’s adventures with Dustin please feel more than welcome to share at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in the memory of “Dustin Joseph Burns” to one of these registered non-profit organizations: • “Just Us Cat & Kitten Rescue,” in care of: Bob Harrison, President, P.O. Box 32, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971. 1-302-228-7387 • “Cape Henlopen State Park,” in care of: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, P.O. Box 132, Nassau, Delaware 19958. 1-302-858-6127 • “The Wonderland Trail at Mount Rainier,” in care of: Washington’s National Park Fund, 1904 3rd Ave #400, Seattle, Washington 98101. https://wnpf.org/donate/ 1-206-623-2063 3 • “Sawtooth National Forest, Lake and Recreational Area,” in care of: The Sawtooth Society, P.O. Box 820, Hailey, Idaho 83333. http://www.sawtoothsociety.org/donate-join 1-208- 721-1495.