Norman Burns

Norman Burns, 74, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the American House in Petoskey after a long battle with cancer.  He fought the good fight and now he is at peace.

Norm was born January 11, 1943 in Petoskey, the son of Lawrence and Ella (Reeves) Burns. The family moved to Bliss when Norm was young and lived in the Homestead built by his Great Grandfather. 

He graduated from Pellston High school in 1961. After graduation he worked construction.  He served in the army during the Vietnam War.  After his discharge he worked for Waterford Schools doing carpentry and eventually worked in the maintenance department.  In 1988 he married Carolyn Canady.

In 1999 he and Carolyn retired from Waterford Schools and moved back to Bliss.  They opened Mackenzies on the Avenue.  Norm was a fixture in town and knew many people.  Norm loved working in his garden, feeding the birds and in the fall, deer season.  But his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. They had great adventures on the four wheeler, the tractor exploring the woods and the swing set he built just for them.

Norm is survived by his wife, Carolyn, two daughters, Sarah (John Wing) Cool of Cheboygan and Laura (Mark) Brown of Fenton. He also leaves three grandchildren, Kara Cool, Gavin Daugherty and Beckett Brown.  Norm is also survived by his sister Elaine (Clayton) Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Dick, Bob, and Jerry Burns and a sister Marian Kerridge.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 11:00am, with the family greeting friends beginning at 10:00am, at the Bliss Missionary Church, 15 East Sturgeon Bay Trail, Levering, MI 49755, with the Reverend Rob Rhiner officiating.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan, the Straits Area Ostomy Association, PO Box 792, Petoskey, Michigan, 49770, or the charity of your choice.  

A luncheon will follow at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

The Nordman-Christian Funeral Home is caring for the family.

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