The Rev. Ernest Francis Burns
BUTTE — The Rev. Ernest F. Burns, 82, left this physical world Wednesday morning, Dec. 6, 2006, while residing at the Marquis Vintage Suites. Prior to his passing, he spoke of seeing the stairway to heaven which would reunite him with those family members and friends who ascended before him.
Father Burns was born in Butte on Nov. 9, 1924, one of eight brothers and sisters. He attended Butte Catholic schools, graduating from Boys Central High School in 1943. He attended Carroll College for one year prior to entering St. Edwards Seminary in Seattle in 1945.
He was ordained as a Catholic priest at St. Helena's Cathedral in Helena on May 19, 1951. He performed his first Mass the following day at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Butte. He would spend his entire religious life in Montana.
Father Burns' first assignment took him to Holy Rosary parish in Bozeman, where he served as assistant pastor. His chronological religious service would take him to St. Anthony's in Missoula, St. John the Baptist in Frenchtown and St. Mary of the Assumption in Laurin.
After serving in Helena as the Western Diocese director of education, Father Burns returned to parish work at St. Ann's Parish in Butte and Holy Rosary in Bozeman. He celebrated his 25th Jubilee in 1976 at St. Ann's Catholic parish in Butte.
Served in Polson
Following a sabbatical to Europe in 1981, he was appointed pastor at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Polson. He would faithfully serve the Polson parish until his retirement in 1991.
After retiring, Father Burns returned to his hometown where he enjoyed views of Butte from his sixth-story apartment at the Finlen Hotel. He continued his spiritual service by assisting at St. Ann's and Holy Spirit parishes. While residing at the Marquis Vintage Suites, he spent time reading, listening to music and visiting with family and friends.
He celebrated his 55th anniversary as a Catholic priest with his classmates the Rev. Sarsfield O'Sullivan and the Rev. Gregory Burke on May 19, 2006, at Holy Spirit Parish in Butte.
Father Burns was affectionately known for his impassioned and eloquent ministry. He was proud of his Butte heritage and enjoyed being from a large family. His family will cherish the many family Masses, marriage ceremonies, blessings and baptisms he performed over the years. He will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered.
To use his own words, "Death is not to be feared, because it is the door to his glorious resurrection and ours." His family's departing words to him are the same as he offered to us so many thousand times, "God bless."
Father Burns was preceded in death by his parents Clarence "Doc" and Amanda Burns; his brothers, Clarence, Chester and Robert; his sisters, Bette, Helen and Sister Madelon; sister-in-law June Burns; and nephews John and Danny Burns.
He is survived by his brother, Raymond Burns and wife Renee; sister-in-law Phyllis Burns; and countless nephews, nieces and cousins.
A celebration of his life and death was held Dec. 11 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. He was laid to rest next to his classmate and dearest friend, Father Joe O'Donnell.
Memorials may be sent to the Marquis Vintage Suites and the Diocese of Helena.