Ronald Lynn Burnett passed to eternal life on October 8, 2021 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ron died suddenly and unexpectedly while his wife and he were visiting their granddaughter at Chaminade University.
He was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Richard and Marie (Kastl) Burnett on January 11, 1947. He went to Immaculate Conception Church School until 8th grade, attended South High 3 years, and graduated from Westside High School in 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska.
He entered the Navy after graduation. He served in the Vietnam War on an ammunition ship off the coast of Vietnam. He always cherished his military service, especially his time in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1968, but continued in the Navy Reserves and later served in the National Guard in Montana and Texas. Ron retired from the military after 40 years of service.
He attended the University of Idaho where he met the love of his life, Velma, and married her in 1971. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s of Education from the University of Montana. Educating one’s mind is something Ron influenced his children and grandchildren to always seek.
He got his first and longest science teaching job at Hellgate High School in Missoula, MT. He loved teaching. Ron would be so proud even in recent years when former students would recognize him and remember something he had taught. Those memories were his reward. He finished his 35 years of teaching at Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas where he taught for 7 years. He left teaching to go back to Montana to be near his grandchildren in Helena. He then was hired by the Catholic Diocese of Helena to be caretaker for Legendary Lodge, a Catholic camp for children. He said he enjoyed working there because he could see the results of his work and he was working for God. Of course, he did that in his teaching but seeing the results were not always evident.
Ron and Velma had two children who he was devoted to. Family was everything to him. Velma and Ron were best friends and liked to do many things together. They ultimately enjoyed being with their grandchildren: listening to their stories, playing Clash of Clans, going to their sport events, and helping them grow up. Family and friends know Ron to be the fixer of all things. He loved to spend time by the water and fishing was a passion of his since he was a little boy.
Ron was a faithful Catholic Christian and attended St. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Velma (Helena), his son Rian and wife Cristina Burnett (Lima, Peru) and their three children: Micaela, Nicholas, and Martin, and by his daughter Vashti and husband Doug Teders (Helena), and their three children: Noel, Dutch, and Vienna. Also, by his sister Carole of Omaha, Neb. His niece Lori and husband Cory Reed and son Adam, nephew Daniel and wife Jill Wilson and their sons Kyler and Keaton, and nephew David and wife Deana Wilson and daughter Taylor Mae.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marie Burnett and his grandparents Edith Swartz and Stanley Kastl.
Ron was a lover, giver, and forgiver. He never held anything against anyone. He influenced many by his example.
The Rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 25th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church. Burial with military honors will follow the luncheon at 3 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials can be made in Ron’s name to Legendary Lodge, Diocese of Helena, 515 N. Ewing St., Helena, Mt. 59601.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Mass
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Mass
Monday October 25, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Monday October 25, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Nancy Lambert says
May God be with you, Velma and family. May the Lord give all of you the strength you need to get through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We would be there to support you if we could, but we live in Nevada now. We know that Ron is in a beautiful place now, but I know life will never be the same for you.
Love and Prayers
Nancy & Monte Lambert
Sylvia Alvarado says
Dearest Velma; Vashti & Doug, Noel, Dutch & Vienna; Rian & Cristina, Nico, Micaela, & Martin,
Please forgive me if I have the order of birth in the wrong order or wrong spelling.
I just want to express to you all my gratitude for your sharing your beloved Ron with me and with so many, many others. Actually, Ron gave of himself so generously to everyone that it made him everyone’s hero. Ron had a heart for all God’s people. We have all been blessed in one way or another from his giving heart. This very special man will be sorely missed by so many. I believe we all now have a very powerful intercessor in the heavenly place often called Paradise. May he bask in the glory of God with an army of angels. May The Lord enfold all of you left on Earth with His loving compassion and love as you bid your beloved Ron farewell until we are reunited with him someday.
My love, hugs, and prayers ongoing…
Sylvia Alvarado, San Antonio, TX
Norbert & Mary Trevino says
Dear Velma and famiy,
As I said in your Face Book post; I was and am still at a loss for words. While we did not know Ron as well as my sister, Sylvia, we had the pleasure of meeting him while you were visiting in San Antonio. We have lost a wonderful,Godly man whose love, of family, country and humanity and discipleship for Our Lord Jesus Christ. I know he is enjoying eternal life praising Our Lord with all of the Saints and Angels. Rest in Peace, sweet Ron. Velma and family, we are with you in spirit and will continue to pray for your consolation, peace and comfort, knowing that one day we will all be together again.
Lorna Wilson says
Dearest Velma and Family,
Velma, whenever I’ve been around you, just hearing you speak of Ron, your children, and your grandchildren and the mighty love you share has always lifted me. My prayers are for God’s peace to envelop you and for your unassailable faith to provide
strength during this time of loss. I pray also for Ron, who showed so many the face of God during his sojourn here on earth. He was truly a righteous man, as described in Psalm 112. God bless all of you. My love to you.
Corey Hill says
Cookie, that is what so many of us knew him as in the National Guard. There are many stories that can be told and will be remembered not only this next week or two but also for many years. The remember when stories.
What an incredible man! Thank you Cookie for the memories the advice and the guidance throughout the years.
Barbara A Curran says
I am so heartbroken to hear about Ron. Ron was an incredible person and a true example of living a godly life in everything he did. Velma you and Ron accepted Rich and I as part of your family and included us in all your holidays and events as though we were family. I am so glad I got to talk to you and Vashti the other day and I will talk to you soon. All my love and prayers are with all of you. I wish I could be there for his services but I will be praying for all of you. Love all of you.
Tom & Kelly Schussler says
Fair winds and following seas shipmate! We shared many good times on our various expeditions with the Navy and although I did my best to corrupt you, you always remained a gentle soul and a perfect gentleman. Kelly and I will both always have fond memories of working with you and Velma at Loyola Sacred Heart BASH. Our sincere condolences to Velma and the rest of the family may you find peace in that knowledge that Ron is at peace with our Lord. Wish we could be there for the services and Military Honors but I am recovering from surgery.
Gary & Wanda Freyholtz says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him when delivering the mail to the lodge and camp at Salmon.
Jan Tillotson says
Velma, although I haven’t seen you for many years, I still think of you and your family often. I was so very sorry to read in the paper of Ron’s passing. He was a kind and pleasant man, and I am so glad you had 50 wonderful years together. Please accept Steve’s and my sincere condolences for your great loss. My you find peace and comfort in the caring of others.
I hope you yourself are well, and I wish you many healthy years to enjoy your children and grandchildren.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Jan and Steve Tillotson
Amy says
Ron was a wonderful neighbor and friend to us and he will be greatly missed. My heart is with all of you.
Jennifer says
So sad to hear about Mr.Burnett – He was one of my favorite teachers !! He would give me a hard time in a good way 😂He would say jennifer what did the scarecrow say in wizard of oz? I would always fall for it !!! He was such a caring teacher and helped in anyway he could ! Much love to you all! Jennifer Sirockman
Loretta McIsaac says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s death. We always enjoyed Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. Tom and Loretta.
Mike and Thalia Heistand says
Dearest Velma and Family,
Words can not express the depth of my sorrow for you each. I lift you each and all before the Lord for His Strength, His Love and Comfort as you go through this loss. What a special and fun, loving man, Ron, was and a testimony to God, his family and to everyone who knew him. We now celebrate with you his going to his heavenly home only to be seen again with Jesus! What a privilege to have met both of you and to have known you while here in San Antonio and during our Missoula visit.
We LOVE YOU, Velma and all of your family. Looking forward to seeing you, again, hopefully soon.
Love you,
Judy Diehm says
I am here for and with you for always. I will be praying for peace for all of you. You are loved
Jonathan Lofgren says
I am so sad to hear of Mr. Burnett’s passing. He was my earth science teacher here in Missoula, and he always made it fun for us kids. I will miss you, Mr. Burnett. You were one of my favorites. My prayers and condolences to your family.
The Paulson Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Ron was a great person and we have many fond memories of your family and our family. Ron touched many lives in a positive way and was influential in shaping the lives of hundreds of students in his teaching career. We have been blessed to know Ron and your entire family.
PAULA & BEVERLEY says
I ALWAYS WANTED A BROTHER…YOU WERE THE BEST…TAUGHT ME CLOUD NAMES IN YOUR MISSOULA DRIVE WAY….WE LOVE AND MISS YOU….
Eric Connolly says
Dear Velma and Family,
The thoughts and prayers of our family are with you. Ron was a kind, caring, hard-working, good man. We will be praying for you all.
Eric& Sarah Connolly
Kathleen Billman says
Dear Velma and Family,
We are sending our love and prayers to you and your family. Ron was a wonderful man. We remember him as always smiling and a caring person. May you and your family find strength in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ruel and Kathy Billman
Manuela Macias says
Dearest Velma ,
Val & I would like to extend to you and your family our sincere and deepest, heartfelt sympathy. We can’t begin to imagine what you must be experiencing; however, rest assure that our thoughts & prayers are with you and your loved ones. We know you are going to continue to live your life to the fullest measure because of your strong faith in Our Loving Creator and the strong love for your beloved husband and with God’s grace there is no way of failing.
We love you
Sincerely & affectionately
In Christ Meme & Val Macias
Terry L Orr says
Velma & family,
We offer our deepest condolences for you as you grieve the passing of Ron. He was an incredible man & we will miss him immensely. May you find solace & comfort in the coming days, weeks & years ahead. Sending much love & prayers, Dave & Terry Orr
Judy Diehm says
My heart is breaking for all of you. Our faith will sustain us and we can rest with the assurance that we will meet again on that glorious day. I love you