Friends and family, we are here today to mourn the passing and honor the life of Daniel Scott Burnham, born January 28, 1977, died July 6, 2005. He leaves behind his wife of two years, two cats, and a large collection of books.

What can be said about Dan? He was born into a well off family. Growing up he never had to worry about food or clothes. His parents encouraged him from a young age to try new things and expand his horizons. To not be afraid of new and different things and that responsibility for his life was in his hands. They also tried to teach him humility which, sadly, did not stick. He was introduced to multiple activities and encouraged in those he was interested in but never forced to do something he did not desire to.

His teen years were, as usual, formative. It was during his teen years that Dan became what he called, the grey sheep. He was not a trouble maker, but he had his own agenda which did not always match his parents. Showing no interest in school Dan floated by doing just enough work to get that C. Dan was more concerned with working. He only had two jobs in high school. One at Dairy Queen and the second at a small Christian bookstore.

After he graduated from high school Dan continued to work at the bookstore and eventually began to manage another store in the chain. After two successful years of managing some of the values his parents had tried to teach him about education started to kick in. Dan got the bug to go to college. Deciding on a theological degree Dan applied to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for the fall semester of 1999. After being accepted Dan made his way to Chicago.

In the summer of 2001 Dan met his future wife in Colorado while working a summer job. It was not until the spring of 2002 they started dating and were married a year later in 2003. Between these times an event happened that set Dan’s life on an unexpected path. September 11, 2001 towers one and two of the World Trade Center were brought down in a terrorist attack. Another aspect of his childhood kicked in. Patriotism. Dan did not feel he could sit back and do nothing. In January of 2002 Dan swore the oath of enlistment and entered into the delayed entry program of the Air Force. In the summer of 2003 Dan went off to basic training and short Air Force career would lead him to Misawa Air Base Japan.

Dan was a man of few hobbies. Sadly, his two biggest hobbies are generally not considered topic for polite conversation. Dan had a great interest in religion and enjoyed friendly debates with those of other faiths. He also enjoyed discussing politics and the differing philosophical views people had towards the world.

You could often find Dan in the kitchen baking bread or experimenting with some new recipe. He was known to engage in drama and could be counted on to have a movie quote to fit almost any situation. Being 50% Scottish he loved all things north of Hadrian’s wall and oft quoted the pithy proverb, “Anything nae Scottish, is crap.”

Dan’s overall personality is difficult to talk about. His parents used to tell people that everyone walks to the beat of a different drummer… Dan just happens to have his own band. The choices he made he made for his own reasons. Not careless, but almost hedonistic, using the classical definition of the term.

He was a paradox at the same time difficult and easy to get to know. Dan tried to practice honesty and would answer any question put to him honestly. The answer also depended on the question. If you asked him a pointed question, you would get a pointed answer. If you asked him a question on a subject that interested him, it was difficult to get him to shut up. Dan described himself as a social hermit. One who got along well with others but still preferred to be alone most of the time.

How shall he be remembered? Those of us who liked him will remember him as a positive cynic. One who always looked for the best in all circumstances but was not surprised at human stupidity. For Dan, the glass was half full, but he had ordered the cheese burger. He will be remembered as one always good for a laugh. His odd sense of humor and plethora of strange sayings and movie quotes would either shock or entertain you.

Most importantly, he will be remembered as one who was dedicated. He was dedicated to his family, always trying to put their needs and comforts in front of his own. Dedication to his country with the Stars and Stripes still having meaning for him and loving the freedoms America has. And dedication to his faith. Admitting his struggles but in the end remaining true. For those who did not like Dan… they probably didn’t come today so who cares what they think.

Dan wanted his funeral to be a celebration. He wanted people to have fun and laugh and remember the good times. As mentioned before, Dan loved bread. That means he loved grain and all the things grain could do. Let us have one more movie quote for Dan, “This is grain, which any fool can eat, but for which the Lord had a much grander purpose. So let us give thanks to the maker as we learn about beer!” Don’t forget to stop by the salad bar.