Mr. Dennis Burns, 61, beloved husband of Angela MacDonald, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 30th 2015.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late James and Audrey Burns. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1971.
He is survived by his wife Angela, his children Audrey and Ben Burns, and brothers Jamie Burns of Newburyport and Ed Burns of Salem. He was the brother of the late Jack Burns.
A passionate angler and outdoorsman, Dennis spent time perfecting his hand-tied fly designs and studying local stream ecology. He was also an Irish folk musician and a man of many instruments including the banjo, guitar, harmonica and penny whistle. Dennis was an artist: a storyteller, a poet, and a craftsman; also an avid reader. He dedicated his working life to woodworking and spent his days off repairing and renovating his centuries-old home (when he wasn’t fishing).
He found great satisfaction in volunteering, for many years, for Project Healing Waters, offering fly-tying instruction and assisting with fishing outings for disabled veterans. His unequaled loyalty, sense of humor and contagious laughter made for a loving husband, a model father and an unforgettable friend.
His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Wednesday April 8th at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial is private. Visiting hours Tuesday April 7th from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 P.M. There will also be a gathering for local Cape friends from 6 to 9 P.M. on Thursday April 9th at Harriet’s 7 Cottage St., Marion. Donations may be made in his memory to www.projecthealingwaters.com. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com