Dan Burns

Dan Burns – A Life Well Lived 

Dan was born in San Francisco in 1950 to Robert and Elizabeth Burns. He was the second of five sons and grew up during the Baby Boomer era, a time when childhood in San Francisco felt carefree and full of promise.

As a young boy, Dan worked as a paperboy, delivering newspapers before and after school. He diligently saved his earnings to buy a 10-speed bike and to fund hunting trips with his father and family friends. Those early experiences taught him the value of hard work and the joy of earning something for himself.

The Burns family cherished the outdoors, often camping in the McCloud area. Every summer, Dan spent time at the family’s cabin in Rio Nito on the Russian River. His father, a San Francisco firefighter, would drive the family up to the cabin, return to the city for his shifts, and then make the trip again—ensuring that his children could enjoy long, memorable summers surrounded by nature.

As the family grew, Dan’s parents dreamed of a quieter life outside the city. In the 1960s, they moved to San Rafael, settling in the Glenwood neighborhood where his father had a home built. It was there that fate stepped in—Patricia Yovino’s family moved to the same street from the East Bay. Dan and Patricia attended the same high school and became high school sweethearts.

They married in the 1970s and had two sons, Joshua and Paul. At the time, Dan was working in the maintenance department at Marin Catholic High School and attending College of Marin at night, pursuing a degree in Fire Science. He went on to become a firefighter with the San Rafael Fire Department, proudly following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as the third generation in the family to serve.

Patricia began her own career in the late ’70s to help save for a home, and in 1983, their dream came true—they moved into their new house in Rohnert Park.

Dan was an involved and loving father, coaching Little League and helping with Boy Scouts. His sons played baseball from T-ball through high school and beyond. Dan worked tirelessly to support his family, often holding multiple jobs. He started a painting business and later opened Burns Maintenance, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.

Family was at the heart of Dan’s life. Holidays were always hosted at their home, with Dan preparing elaborate Thanksgiving feasts. He was a gracious host and took great pride in creating meaningful, memorable gatherings.

In time, Dan became a father-in-law as Josh married Janet and Paul married Cindi. He was overjoyed to welcome his grandsons Mitch, Josh and Janet’s son. Dan relished being a grandpa—attending Scout events, baseball games, and sharing meals and adventures with Mitch. Watching Mitch grow up and graduate from Sonoma State University filled him with immense pride.

Dan lived a full, blessed life. Through all of his accomplishments and hard work, his greatest joy was always his family.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his brother Bobby(Peggy) his sons, Joshua (Janet) and Paul (Cindi); and his cherished grandson, Mitch. He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family-brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews—as well as neighbors and dear friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Contributions can be made in Dan’s name to St. Jude