Kevin Dale Burningham, the light at the center of his family's universe, left this earth on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. He was the son of Clifford Earl and Jennie Maurine Burningham. He grew up in American Fork and graduated high school there in 1973. He was our Superman, Daddio, Gramps, Bumpa, and Mare's Darling. His huge heart, which was so full of endless love to give, was also his kryptonite. He never would have left us so soon, and he fought so hard to stay. But his heart, which had given so much, decided it was his time to rest. He possessed a quiet and personal faith in God. He was the humble epitome of love, compassion, and service. No one he met remained a stranger. He was a gifted storyteller who laughed hardest at his own jokes. ("Don't ya think that's funny!") His open heart, warmth, kindness, generosity, and charisma drew people to him, and they left him knowing they had met a truly wonderful human being.

He and Marian (Mare) were married on January 5, 1998 after a long period of friendship that grew into a steadfast, deep, and true love. She meant the world to him and they were perfect companions. They provided each other incredible strength and tender compassion that could overcome any challenge. Though they never had children together, they raised seven children in a beautiful family full of love and laughter. His kids were his joy; Monica (Deserie) Burningham, Jessica Johnson (Jason), Kris Holtan, KaCey Holtan, Jacob (Heather DeVilliers) Burningham, Amy (Douglas) Larcher, and Jaden (Jon) Patton. They pulled together through adversities that would have broken many, yet only strengthened their bond. He adored his grandchildren (Kevin Horsley, Kyson Williams, Sam Williams, Faith (Marc) Cornejo, Deserie Fierro, Jasmine Fierro, Michael Williams, Paytyn Burningham, Eric Swenson, Deaken Burningham, Oscar Burningham, and great-grandchildren Amillia Patton (his "great goddess") and Santiago Cornejo. He loved many others, as family, who called him Grandpa or Dad. They know who they are and know he loved them.

He wore many hats professionally and worked hard to provide for his family. He was an organized perfectionist. He was a master mechanic and repairman who could build and repair almost anything. His work ethic was legendary, never using a sick day in all his years of employment. His love for America and desire to provide for his first-born child led him to proudly join the Utah National Guard on March 20, 1976, soon transferring to the Air National Guard where he served for 20 years as a firefighter in aircraft crash and rescue in the 151st Air Refueling Wing. He proudly volunteered for active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in December 1990. He was honorably discharged in November 1996. Among the many jobs he had in his life were mechanic, competitive rodeo bronc rider, and EMT. He was most proud of his 36+ years of service with Chevron. He made lifelong friends at the Salt Lake Refinery and for the last 10 years of his career in Tengiz, Kazakhstan. He spent many happy hours as a youth hunting and hiking in the Cedar Valley near Cedar Fort and Fairfield. He saw the explosive growth in the valley as a threat to the wildlife and open spaces he loved. This inspired him and Mare to join with Bettina Cameron and co-found the Eagle Mountain Nature and Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of wildlife, native open space, and migration corridors through the Cedar Valley in Eagle Mountain, UT.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents (Cliff and Maurine), his sister (Shannon), and Mare's parents (Billie Hunt and Kay Winn). He is survived by his wife (Mare) and Mare's mom, Sharon Hunt; all their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his loving oldest brother, Larry (Carolyn) Burningham, and "brother from another mother", Michael (Kathy) Gannuscio, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Kevin will be interred in a brief ceremony at the Pony Express Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Wing Mortuary in Lehi Utah, 4647 N  Eagle Mountain Blvd, Eagle Mountain, Utah, at 10 am on August 24, 2024. Kevin's personal request was no viewing and no funeral, just a brief and simple graveside service followed by "a party at my house where family and friends can meet for food, beverages, toasts, storytelling, laughter, and a real good time." In honor of this request, please join us after the graveside service until 2 pm at his Eagle Mountain home, 2232 East Cedar Drive, Eagle Mountain, Utah. He would warmly welcome all who desire to attend.

Thank you to the doctors at Revere Health Cardiology team including Drs. Weaver, Luni, and Wong, the ICU, Cardiac Care, and medical team at Utah Valley Regional Hospital and ER,  and special thanks to the incredible, superhuman nurses and caregivers at Utah Valley, including Michael, Mike, Gabby, Emma, Victor, and nurse extraordinaire Carrie.

If you are searching for a way to honor Burnie's life, just mend old grievances, forgive old hurts, love one another, and care for your fellow human beings with grace and compassion. He felt very strongly there shouldn't be a homeless veteran in America, so if you feel inclined, donate to a charity of your choice in service to that community with your time or money.

When we in his family were faced with a seemingly impossible task, Kevin would step up and take it on, saying, "I'll take the mail through Red Rock Pass," a quote from one of his favorite Western movies. Now, it's our turn to step up to the seemingly impossible task of living life without him. "Don't worry, Dad. We'll take the mail through Red Rock Pass."